By Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

Matthew 2:10 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

How do you respond to Christmas? For some, Christmas sparks fond memory, some exuberance, and for others it’s shopping.

Unfortunately, Christmas has lost its meaning in our modern culture. More are mindful of a tree than the manger. I am all about the festivities and family traditions. I love opening gifts and sharing stories with family. But the true message of Christmas doesn’t lie in gift wrap.

The heart of Christmas is that God gave us the best gift ever in His Son Jesus Christ. We see several responses in the Bible to the birth of our Savior. Creation’s response was a star to tell the world a King had been born (Numbers 24:17). The angels responded with worship (Luke 2:13-14). Magi (wise men) responded with gifts of worship, whom were also guided by the Star (Matthew 2:2). The Shepherds responded by running to see Jesus, then telling everyone about what they saw (Luke 2:17). The Bethlehem Star signified God’s response to the world’s greatest need. That was to be saved from sin and be given hope of Heaven (John 3:16).

The wonder and beauty of Christmas is that Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in Heaven. Our Savior was wrapped in nothing more than common rags. The Star rested over an ordinary manger, which held the greatest gift in the simplest of wrapping (Luke 2:7).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.