I and all of us at Dr Carol Ministries want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

If you’re gathering with your family today, may you remember to welcome the Christ Child into your family as the honored Guest. It’s because of Him that we celebrate Christmas.

If you’re alone this Christmas, may you remember that Jesus came as Emmanuel – God With Us. (Matthew 1:23) So you’re not really alone. He is truly with you today – if you ask Him! And also, think of this as a personal Christmas greeting just from me to you. Know that somebody – me – knows what it’s like to feel lonely on Christmas, and that I care. If you wish, make a comment below and I promise I’ll respond before Christmas is over.

Instead of the usual article I post on Friday, I’m sending this to you today. Perhaps these thoughts will help you focus on the true  meaning of Christmas.

To help you with that, I invite you to watch this series of short videos depicting the story of Christmas using the words from the gospels. Just click on the picture below.

For me, the Christmas symbol that means the most is the Star of Bethlehem. In Numbers the prophecy was given that “a Star shall come out of Jacob.” (Numbers 24:17)

Then when Jesus was born, Wise Men from the East saw that Star, and came to worship Him. “When they saw the Star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!” (Matthew 2:10)

Have you seen His Star? Are you rejoicing this Christmas that the Star of Bethlehem still shines? Are you following that Star, and seeking to worship the One it points to?

But Christmas is not only about the past. It’s also about the future. The Christ Child born on that first Christmas morning is no longer a babe in a manger. He is King of the Universe, alive, risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of God Almighty, and ready to soon return for you and me.

I pray for you this Christmas that His Star guide you daily, that you hear His voice and follow Him – not only today, but every day this New Year, and forever.

Our Jewish friends have a saying they repeat at their Passover celebrations: “Next year in Jerusalem!” Will you join me today in this greeting: “Next Christmas in heaven!”

Merry Christmas! And God bless you.

Your Turn: What does Christmas mean to you?