Wednesday, December 15, 2021

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Christmas is About Jesus Christ

 CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST


“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” C. S. Lewis

Some say disruptions in the supply chain are likely to ruin many people’s Christmas this year.

I say Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the Babe of Bethlehem.  If someone experiences disruptions in the supply chain that really matters, the supply chain between themselves and Jesus Christ, it has nothing to do with China, container ships, longshoremen, and truck drivers.  It has everything to do with their faith in Jesus Christ and their belief in the word of God found in the Holy Scriptures.

Some say Christmas is about finding the perfect gifts to give, and making sure every item on the recipients’ wish lists is checked off.

I say Jesus Christ is the Perfect Gift Giver, and He gives all of us eternal and exquisite gifts.  Ultimately, every lasting gift comes from Him.  He has given us the gift of the Resurrection, meaning we shall not remain in the grave but shall live again on that great and glorious day when He returns, King of kings and Lord of lords.  He gives us the gift of Repentance, that by turning away from sin and turning to Him and relying on His mercy and grace, we may be cleansed and abide forever with Him in paradise. Through His Atonement, He also offers us the gifts of rest, relief, respite, reprieve, and reinforcement, so that in our hour of greatest sorrow, pain, loneliness, grief, betrayal, doubt, and suffering, we can turn to Him and find comfort. He knows firsthand and thus understands our anguish, because He has “been there and done that” personally and in the flesh.  As Isaiah described him, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53: 3.  He Himself descended below all things and experienced the greatest agony possible, in order that He can succor and shield His followers in love and perfect empathy.  

Some say “there is no peace on earth, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to man.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day)

I say God is not dead nor does He sleep.  In the end, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, and — as the angels promised on that sacred night — we shall enjoy peace on earth, good will to men.  The peace of Christ, which peace passes all understanding, is not peace as the world giveth but is the peace that comes from Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.  The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith.

I wish to here declare, without caveat or condition, that I believe in Jesus Christ.  He is my King, my Lord, my Savior and Redeemer.  Before He was born, He created this world and reigned in the heavens with our Heavenly Father, yet He condescended to be born in the lowliest of human conditions.  On earth, He healed the sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, and caused the lame to walk.  He taught His gospel and invited all to experience true joy by following His divine teachings.

In Gethsemane He paid the price for the sins of all the world; on Calvary He gave up his life on a cruel and painful cross; and then on Easter Morning, He arose from the tomb to take His rightful place in the heavens on His eternal throne on the right hand of God the Father. 

He lives today.  He invites each one of us, this Christmas season and always, toCome unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11: 28-29

Jesus Christ is a God of truth who fulfills His promises; thus, I know that He will keep his word.

I express my love to each of you from me and my family, and I wish you a Merry Christmas, filled with the pure love of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

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THIS ARTICLE CONSTITUTES MY FINAL “WEDNESDAY WISDOM.” This feels like the appropriate time to bring this chapter of my professional life to a close. I have enjoyed writing these essays over the years; I hope some of them have been meaningful to you. 

If you are worried about not being able to get your regular “Wednesday Wisdom” fix, here is some good news.  I have gathered my many articles into a 515-page book entitled WEDNESDAY WISDOM —   Collected Essays of Scott Farnsworth, 2008-2021This volume includes a Professional Essays Addendum of nearly 100 pages written primarily for legal, financial, and philanthropic advisors.  This book is available on Amazon in either of two versions: one with color pictures for $35 and another with black-and-white pictures for $20.  Here are the links in case you are interested.

Color edition: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MYVVTBM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Wednesday+Wisdom+color+edition+book&qid=1638966881&sr=8-3

Black and white edition:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MYRFXJC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Wednesday+Wisdom+book&qid=1638967043&sr=8-4