What Christmas Is All About

When someone asks you what the "Christmas story" is, what do you say? Most of us will probably say something like "Well, Mary gave birth to the Son of God in Bethlehem. Angels showed up with a song. Shepherds showed up with awe. Wise men showed up with gifts." That's the familiar story; Joseph and Mary, no room in the inn, a stable, some visitors, a baby.

As much as we all love this story, but that's the story of what, not the story of why. It doesn't tell us the purpose of Christmas. Everything has a purpose, right? Why is the purpose of Christmas?

The harsh reality is that the baby was born to die. Instead of trying to explain, I'll let the Bible speak for itself. The following passage so beautifully summarizes the Christmas story.

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 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 2:6-11

There was a redemption because there was a resurrection.

There was a resurrection because there was a death.

There was death because there was a life.

There was a life because there was a birth.

Merry Christmas,

Matt

"Ten Thousand, One Million"

Kurt Carr writes some of the BEST gospel songs. The man can write some POWERFUL song lyrics.
This morning I listened to his song called "Ten Thousand, One Million". I suggest you go find it right now and listen to it!

The lyrics are amazing. Look at these:
"Ten thousand sacred anthems
One million sincere praises
Can not proclaim how worthy Jesus is to me"

(Reminds me of the old song "You Don't Know Like I Know")

The thought is simple. No one can praise God like you can!

"No one can ever sing your praise for me
They don't know what you've done for me"

God created you unique. There's only one you. We say it a lot, but do we really understand?
He doesn't want mimicked praise or worship. He was the unique praise that can only come from the unique you.


These are my favorite lyrics in the song:
"Ten thousand saints crossed over, One million prostrate angels
They can't cry holy, holy, holy, Lord for me"

Jesus has endless amounts of praise from angels ... saints in Heaven ... creation itself.
But one million angels' praise cannot compare to one human soul choosing to worship Him.

God wants YOUR praise. God wants YOUR worship. God wants YOU.
You're special to Him. And nothing and no one can praise God for you!

Until next time,
Matt

Revelation 16:4 (MSG)
Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder: Hallelujah! The Master reigns, our God, the Sovereign-Strong!

Me, the New Blogger!

What up people! Oh my gosh, my first blog post! :)
With all the crazy stuff that goes on in my head, I might as well write it (or type it, in this case) all down! That way when I'm 80 and senile, I can look back at my life as a young man ... and probably think "Boy, I sure was dumb".

Hmm...what's the topic of my first post?

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm running around like a headless chicken. Yet, nothing's getting accomplished. I'm talking about literally. But inside I feel like I go through the daily routine of: Wake up, shower, dress, eat, school/work/church, eat, come home, sleep, repeat.
This gets pretty old after a while. Not my life, 'cause I LOVE my life. But the routine.

So I think...how do I go through this routine without it FEELING so repetitive.

The answer is: Enjoy every minute. Find something NEW today. Do something out of the ordinary. Do something random. Sing a song. Scream. Dance. Pray (woah, there's a shock).
Trust me...it will help.

I know it seems like the wheels are turning in mud, but I'll look back and say "Wow, how did I get here? I didn't know I was going anywhere".

So here I am. Enjoying my day. My life.

Until next time,
Matt

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

(P.S. - The picture you see is a random picture that I took of a really cool tree.)
(P.S.S. - Happy 21st Birthday, Sis!)