Remember the reason behind Christmas

Amid the frenzy of holiday shoppers all vying for the best sales on gifts, it seems that the real reason for Christmas is now just a detached story from the past.
The truth of why the son of God came down from heaven to be born in a manger has become commonplace as some businesses decided to take the name of Christ out of Christmas.
The fact is that more than 2,000 years ago, God so loved this world that he sent his one and only son to this earth. Jesus was called Immanuel, or "God is with us." He chose to leave the splendor of heaven to walk on this earth to bring hope to those who have none and life to those who are perishing.
He came to suffer and die so that he might make possible our salvation and offer it as a free gift to anyone who calls on his name. He brought light and truth and showed the way to eternal life. His work here bought us freedom from the bondages of sin and oppression.
Jesus said in John 8:32 that if people hold to his teachings then "you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
The power of belief
No longer do you have to be a slave to sin and destructive behavior. If you are a believer, you have the power to overcome all that seeks to destroy you.
In John 8:36, it is written "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
There is no power stronger than that of Jesus Christ who died for us and was resurrected. He is alive, and his power and strength are there for you if you put your trust in him. There is nothing that can defeat a child of the living God. Nothing can overcome you or destroy you for your redemption was made at the cross. You may stumble as the storms in this life come against you, but you will only fall into the hands of the Savior who has promised never to leave you. Painful trials can only strengthen and refine you in the race that God has set for you. They will always be used for your good for there is power in all that God allows in your life. You do not need to understand the reason; you just need to trust that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
The love of God
You must always remember that the God who created you did so with great love. He knew in advance what your failures and weaknesses would be. He knew how you would sin and rebel against him. He knew that you would defy him. Yet there is absolutely nothing you could do that would ever stop his love for you. It was this love that sent Jesus to this earth to humbly be born in a stable. And it was love that made Jesus die so that we may live.
We may not be able to stop those who attempt to take Christ out of Christmas, but by God's own promise, they will never be able to take the love out of Christ.
Marianne B. Lordi attends Highway Tabernacle in Austintown.