Let's Talk About Jesus
Everybody's busy shopping. The stores are filled with people. The streets are teeming with people who are running to and fro, trying to finish up their last minute Christmas shopping. Music is being played and songs are being sung. There is a joyful sound in the atmosphere. Women are baking their best Christmas cookies and children are eagerly awaiting dismissal from school. Christmas decorations and bright lights are being proudly displayed by fathers who are staying up late at night to assemble bikes, trikes and other special toys. Choirs are rehearsing carols to be sung in Christmas plays. Everybody is busy, but in all this busyness, people seem to have forgotten what Christmas is really all about. Christmas is about Jesus.
If we leave Jesus out of our Christmas celebrations we have nothing to celebrate...so let's talk about Jesus. The name of Jesus is highly exalted. It is the name above all names. The name of Jesus is the only name whereby we can be saved. 'There is none other name, whereby we must be saved, but in the name of Jesus." There is so much power in the name of Jesus that demons temble at the mention of His name.
Why then is the name of Jesus so hated? People don't mind if you pray to God, as long as you don't mention the name of Jesus. Many so-called Christians fail to make mention of the name of Jesus for fear they will offend someone. Why is there such fear and dread of this name? The answer is found in Acts 4:7 and Acts 10:38.
When Peter and John prayed for a lame man, in the name of Jesus, the man arose, leaped and walked. Then the man followed Peter and John into the temple after being healed. It was nothing short of a miracle, however, this man's healing caused a great uproar amongst the religious leaders, so they summoned Peter and John. The high priests were enraged and asked, "By what power or what name have ye done this?" (Act 4:7) Peter answered, "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified." (Acts 4:10) This only angered the religious rulers even more; however, they could not deny the man's miraculous healing. Still they wanted to do something against Peter and John so they gave them a stern warning, commanding them "Not to Speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus." (Acts 4:17-18)
Peter and John flat out refused to obey hem because they knew there is power in the name of Jesus. eter and John knew who Jesus and they also knew that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) So when your family gathers together this year around the table laden with food, remember to talk about Jesus. As you give and recieve gift this year, just focus on Jesus. Remember Jesus is the only reason for the Christmas season. Without Jesus Christ, we have no Christmas. There is power in the name of Jesus! Jesus, the name above all names.
