Christmas is, because Jesus is! - by Robert Schaetzle

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” [Rev 11:15NKJV]

When considering the celebration of the Advent, I’m reminded of the Feast of Purim, during the season of Israel’s history during the reign of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire 500B.C.

A young Benjamite woman named Esther became queen to King Ahasuerus, who saved the Israelite people from annihilation. In celebration of this event, the ‘Feast of Purim,’ was to commemorate this event in history. The Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the 13th and the 14th days in the twelfth month called Adar to rest and made a day of feasting and gladness.

The name is derived from the word pur meaning “lot” that was cast to determine the day of the Jewish people’s death. Purim reminds the Jews of God’s deliverance from their day of destruction, and established as an annual feast.

Our Advent, celebrated also in the 12th month of our calendar year, is an annual feast to recognize and celebrate once for all mankind, deliverance from the penalty of sin, the prophecy and fulfillment of the birth of Messiah.

When we sing and celebrate coming together, the Halleluiah Chorus and other portions from Handel’s Messiah, let us not forget Who we worship and celebrate. Yes, Christmas is, because Jesus is!

Robert started writing over 45 years ago when he began to write his own love letters in his children’s birthday cards, along with other devotional messages. Since retirement he serves as a lay pastor at a local Rehab Center. Contact