Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 Our obsession with geologic time, chronological order and succession have us fixed on set frames of time where we observe or celebrate a particular event. Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25th, whilst a number of theologians have provided reasons for us to believe that the birth of Christ would have taken place during an alternative time of the year. For example, the weather would have to have been pretty mild to allow for shepherds to watch their flock at night. Temperatures in Bethlehem during the month of December would have been frigidly cold. Not that pinpointing an exact date matters a great deal. The most significant matter is that, He came. So, Happy Christmas. Be happy that He came and that He’ll be coming again. Be happy that when he does come again, that he will not come as a baby, borne of a virgin and wrapped in swaddling clothes but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Be happy that for those who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, that their salvation is secure, their eternal status is golden. A place for them in Heaven has been guaranteed and they have the opportunity to reap all of the promises of God on this side of Heaven. As we gather and exchange gifts this Christmas season, could we consider giving the most significant, most life changing, most life- giving gift of all? The gift of salvation. That boldness will capture our desire to secure the salvation of members of our friends and family who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and made Jesus Lord of their lives. That for those whose hearts have grown cold, that we’re able to fan the emblem of truth and renew a sense of the ultimate, life giving hope. Be happy that Jesus’ love was demonstrated for us by leaving behind the glory of Heaven and taking upon human flesh. That the sole purpose for this transition was to go to the cross to die for us and reconcile us unto the father. That we are loved, wanted and have been purchased. The stakes were high but His love proved greater and He went the ultimate distance to ensure we will always have a place at His table and a seat in His Kingdom. Let us embrace this day, as a new day and vow to make a fresh start, to be obedient, to develop singleness in thought and in heart and to fulfill God’s purposes for us and for others in this life. “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14,15