“Without Christ, there is no Christmas.”

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Isaiah 9:6-7

“Without Christ, there is no Christmas.”

October 1, 2023

It’s October, so it’s unofficially that time of year again. Yes, it’s Christmas time. It’s probably no surprise to you. You’ve probably seen a commercial or two already talking about “holiday” items.

I believe “Glade” air fresheners won this year. I’ve seen their commercial with a Christmas holiday theme several times.

Of course, craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby already have aisles of Christmas decorations on display. Before you know it, the stores will be in full “holiday” mode.

The photo you see at the beginning of this devotion is a picture of our living room. We no longer have any furniture in the room, just holiday decorations.

Hallmark kicks off its “holiday” movies on October 20 this year. And of course, they show one-holiday movie every Thursday and Friday every week. Hallmark also celebrates “Christmas in July” with holiday movies 24/7 all month.

In the middle of this, I notice there’s one thing missing. Jesus. Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

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As a society, we seem to have forgotten that (excuse me for being cliché) “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace,

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

Throughout the Old Testament, we find the promises of a Savior coming into the world. Those promises came to fruition a little over 2,000 years ago with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem. He went on to teach, heal, and proclaim the Good News. Finally, He was put to death on a cross, only to rise from the dead three days later.

I guess the point of this devotion is to say don’t get caught up in all the hoopla of Christmas. The movies, the gifts, the music, and the decorations are all right.

Just remember the King of Kings, the Savior of the world, Jesus, was born on Christmas day. He was sent by His Father to save you and me.

Guess what? Mission accomplished. Perhaps it’s not such a cliché after all.

“Without Christ, there is no Christmas.“