CHILDREN OF GOD
Though we are all created by God, we are not all God’s children. Christ told the Pharisees (priests) that “Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:13, 44; see also 1 John 3:10). Before salvation we are named “children of disobedience” and “the children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:2–3). But all can become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).
CHRIST (see JESUS)
CHRISTIAN
The name means “a follower of Christ” (Strong’s). To hold such a good name, we should be Christlike in our daily life, so as not to bring discredit on Jesus Christ. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26).
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Christ. Though the date of the 25th of December (winter) would not seem to coincide with the shepherds who were out in the field at night with their flocks (Luke 2:8). What is important is not the date, but that Christ was born. He was called “Emmanuel” (“God with us”) (Matthew 1:23) and “Jesus” because He would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Somethings had their origin in the world or are encouraged by stores retailers, but we can still teach our children what is important and have the joy of giving gifts one to another.
Though we are all created by God, we are not all God’s children. Christ told the Pharisees (priests) that “Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:13, 44; see also 1 John 3:10). Before salvation we are named “children of disobedience” and “the children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:2–3). But all can become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).
CHRIST (see JESUS)
CHRISTIAN
The name means “a follower of Christ” (Strong’s). To hold such a good name, we should be Christlike in our daily life, so as not to bring discredit on Jesus Christ. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26).
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Christ. Though the date of the 25th of December (winter) would not seem to coincide with the shepherds who were out in the field at night with their flocks (Luke 2:8). What is important is not the date, but that Christ was born. He was called “Emmanuel” (“God with us”) (Matthew 1:23) and “Jesus” because He would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Somethings had their origin in the world or are encouraged by stores retailers, but we can still teach our children what is important and have the joy of giving gifts one to another.