🔊The True Meaning of Christmas: The Glory and Fullness of God Revealed in Christ

During this Christmas season, our hearts are filled with wonder as we reflect on the greatest miracle humanity has ever known: the incarnation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The apostle John tells us: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). What an astounding truth: the eternal, infinite, and holy God came down to dwell among us, bringing redemption to a broken world.

In the humble manger of Bethlehem, the fullness of God’s glory was manifested in the Christ child. This event is not just a fleeting celebration; it is the foundation of our faith. He came to save us from our sins, give us eternal life, and reconcile us to the Father.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that, amidst the lights, gifts, and celebrations, your heart would be captivated by the truth of the gospel. May you meditate on the depth of God’s love in sending His Son to redeem us.

This is a time to remember that Christ is the reason for Christmas. His birth points to His ultimate purpose: to die on the cross and rise victoriously, securing our salvation.

May the joy, peace, and hope that flow from His redemptive work fill your heart and home this Christmas. Let us stand firm in proclaiming this glorious truth to the world so that many more may come to know the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).

Podcast Summary:The Biblical Meaning of Christmas

This audio recording is a theological reflection on the meaning of Christmas. The speaker contrasts the secular celebration of Christmas with its biblical origins, tracing the narrative back to the creation story in Genesis. He emphasizes God's intentionality in creation and humanity's fall from grace, highlighting the significance of God's promise of a savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The speaker connects the themes of creation, the fall, redemption, and the incarnation of Christ, ultimately urging listeners to focus on the true theological meaning of Christmas rather than its secular aspects. He concludes with a prayer and announcements of upcoming theological discussions and English language classes.

Lovingly in Christ,

Dr. Julio C. Salas, DEdMin, MDiv, MSIS
Academic Director
America Academics Reformed Baptist Theological Institute

Chapel every Thursday at 9:00 PM EST USA (Miami/New York local time) In Spanish (which you can caption into English)

To join tonight’s Chapel, December 23, at 9 PM (Miami local time), follow this link: https://www.americaacademics.com/capilla

Weekly Schedule

Thursdays at 9:00 PM EST USA (Miami/New York local time)

Latin America Time Equivalents:

Argentina: 11:00 PM, Bolivia: 10:00 PM, Chile: 11:00 PM, Colombia: 9:00 PM, Costa Rica: 8:00 PM, Cuba: 9:00 PM, Ecuador: 9:00 PM, El Salvador: 8:00 PM, Spain: 3:00 AM (+1 day), Guatemala: 8:00 PM, Honduras: 8:00 PM, Mexico: 8:00 PM, Nicaragua: 8:00 PM, Panama: 9:00 PM, Paraguay: 11:00 PM, Peru: 9:00 PM, Dominican Republic: 10:00 PM, Uruguay: 11:00 PM, Venezuela: 10:00 PM.

Time Zone Converter: https://time.is/compare

USA Time Equivalents:

9:00 PM (Miami/New York)

• EST (Eastern Standard Time): 9:00 PM (Miami, New York, Atlanta)
• CST (Central Standard Time): 8:00 PM (Chicago, Houston, Dallas)
• MST (Mountain Standard Time): 7:00 PM (Denver, Phoenix*)
• PST (Pacific Standard Time): 6:00 PM (Los Angeles, Seattle)
• AKST (Alaska Standard Time): 5:00 PM (Anchorage)
• HST (Hawaii Standard Time): 4:00 PM (Honolulu)

*Note: Phoenix may vary between MST and MDT depending on the time of year, as Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.

Time Zone Converter: https://time.is/compare

Time Adjustments in the USA

In the United States, daylight saving time (DST) begins and ends on the following typical dates:

• Start of DST: Second Sunday in March. Clocks are set forward one hour.
• End of DST: First Sunday in November. Clocks are set back one hour.