One time I heard a disgruntled shopper complaining to a cashier in a department store. His comment was, “Why do we have this Christmas thing anyway? Who’s idea was it to have this holiday?”
Well, the answer to that question is easy. The commercialized holiday was man’s idea, but the event we celebrate was God’s.
What’s The Purpose?
When it comes down to it, some people don’t have any comprehension why Jesus came to earth. Why was He born here and why did He live a physical life of 33 years? What was the purpose anyway?
To give a complete answer in this article is impossible, but I will give you an overview and with a little study you will see that Christmas is not just celebrating the birth of an ordinary child, but the celebration of a great God with a great plan for you and me.
First and foremost God sent Jesus to restore His relationship with mankind and make a way for man to have everlasting life. Because man sinned and had separated himself from God (with the help of the devil), God developed a plan to restore the relationship.
Without God, man was destined for death. God’s plan was to bring life and to destroy death and destruction forever.
According to the Bible, 1 John 3:8 says “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
Jesus did not come to condemn the world. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Jesus was not born just to give us a holiday.
Jesus was born as the first part of God’s plan to deliver man out of the bondage of sin. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we help to complete God’s plan. Jesus is not just a holiday icon.
God’s plan for sending Jesus is complete only when we accept Him. Jesus is truly the Savior of the world. Celebrating His birth is a time of great love, peace, joy and compassion.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.
