Why I Enjoy Valentine’s Day

Over the past few days, I’ve heard several women – married, single and dating, single and not dating – lament over the the fact that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and they’re getting anxious about the whole thing. I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day and I expect that I will this year as well. Here are three reasons why:

1. I confess that I am a chocoholic and any excuse to eat some will do for me. I recall sharing with a few ladies a week ago that you could cover broccoli with chocolate and that would be just fine with me. I pretty much like all things chocolate. I took a trip to Brussels, Belgium several years ago and have since developed a love of Belgian chocolate. But, I’m not picky because Brach’s chocolate-covered almonds and Cadbury’s candy bars are my favorites too. So, this Thursday, I’ll pay a visit to one of our local Godiva stores and pick up a few truffles to celebrate.
2. The first Valentine’s Day after my divorce I started a tradition. Each year I make a donation to a charity which supports women and/or girls. This is just a reminder that “it’s not all about me.” This year I’ll also be helping out at the young adult ministry’s Valentine’s Day Ball at my church. That’s another way to give something back and have a little fun at the same time too.
3. John 3:16. What a wonderful time to take a few minutes to marvel at the greatest love of all. It’s not just about chocolate and flowers. I can enjoy Valentine’s Day and every day before and after, because I know that I am loved beyond measure, unconditionally and forever. It’s just one more reason to celebrate Jesus - Valentine’s Day and every day!

5 Big Messages of the Nativity

Jesus’ Birth is all About the Miraculous by JoHannah Reardon

From the prophesies recorded thousands of years before He came, to the incredible things that occurred when He arrived, Jesus’ birth was surrounded by the astonishing. God used these amazing events to communicate that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah who would be the Savior of the world.

1. God Promised Christ’s Arrival Throughout History – The promise of the coming Savior appears like a thread running through the Old Testament, starting with a hint after the first recorded sin, when God promised the serpent (Satan) that Eve’s offspring would crush him (Genesis 3:15). The next promise came to Abraham when God said He would bless all people through his line (Genesis 12:3). Abraham’s great grandson, Judah, was promised that an eternal scepter would come from his lineage (Genesis 49:10). Thousands of years later, David, the son of Jesse, came from that line to rule Israel. Isaiah prophesied that from Him would come the ultimate king (Isaiah 11:1-5). Isaiah also foretold that a virgin would bear Jesus (Isaiah 7:14) and of the miraculous works He would do (Isaiah 35:5-6). The prophet Micah said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Zechariah accurately described His humble circumstances and betrayal (Zechariah 9:6; 11:12-13). Isaiah vividly foretold the torturous death Jesus would die and why (Isaiah 53), and David told of Jesus’ resurrection (Psalm 16:10).
2. God Became a Man – The most astounding message of the Nativity is that God became man. John tells us God became flesh and lived with us (John 1:14). Eugene Peterson in The Message puts it, “he moved into the neighborhood.” Paul says, “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him” (Colossians 1:19). Rather than simply tell us what He was like, God came to us personally.
3. Angels Testified to Christ’s Coming- The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, not only to prepare her, a virgin, for bearing the Son of God, but to give her specific instructions concerning Him. Gabriel told her to name the baby Jesus (meaning “God saves”), that Jesus would be the Son of the Most High, that God would give Him David’s throne, and that His kingdom would never end. an angel told Joseph that Jesus would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The angel who appeared to the shepherds told them of joyous news that was for all people, that a Savior had been born – Christ the Lord.
4. Witnesses Proclaimed Christ the Messiah – After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple. Simeon, who had been promised he wouldn’t die before seeing the Lord’s Christ, said, “My eyes have seen your salvation. . .a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). A prophetess, Anna, told everyone that Jesus was the child they had been looking for to redeem Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Later the Magi followed a star, which they knew to mean that a king had been born. When they found Jesus, they worshiped Him. Their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh were fit for a king (Matthew 2).
5. Christ Came for Our Salvation- Jesus came to fulfill thousands of years of prophecy. He would be the one who not only represented God, but was God (John 1:1). When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to follow, so God knew we needed a Savior (Romans 5:15). He sent Christ to die in our place, forgive our sins, and conquer death once for all by coming alive again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). After Christ’s resurrection, His Holy Spirit came to dwell within anyone who would put their trust in Christ to forgive their sins and give them new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Nativity is for you. All you have to do is receive the best of all gifts.

JoHannah Reardon is associate editor of ChristianBibleStudies.com.