Christmas is here: Time is limited

‘But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman …” (Galatians 4:4).

A s we move closer to Christmas and the close of another year, the subject of time crosses my mind. Our time on earth is very limited, what are you doing with your time?

God spoke about time in His Word. We read, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

(Psalm 39:4-5).

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics business is to know what people do with their time.

Consider their recent study on the use of our time. The average American spends his/ her time every day: Ten hours for personal care and sleeping. One to two hours eating and drinking.

We spend almost six hours working, and in work-related activities. Another six hours for leisure and sports. Two hours for household activities. All other daily activities were less than two hours per day, (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with all age groups included, last modified 22 July 21).

The older I become the more I want to spend my time with select people. Those who challenge me (making me wiser, better, thoughtful), those who make me laugh, those I learn from and those I love. A few people are a refuge to me. I hope I add these and other qualities to those who spend time with me.

The Bible tells us, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). I can choose to do what I want with my time or choose to spend my time doing what God desires. You have a choice too.

The question that challenges me in all I do comes from Jesus, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36).

Just as Christ “in the fullness of time” came to earth for our salvation, so too will we make an exit from this life at the appointed time. The best we can do with our time is to do the work of the Lord.

While the rest of the world is spending their time complaining, whining, rioting, being unforgiving, and selfish, I want to spend my time developing the attributes most beneficial in life; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

What are you doing with the time you have left?

The Christmas Quiz

Christmas is mystery and history. Our American culture has succeeded in melding the real historical birth of Jesus with ancient pagan customs. With all the confusion about the facts of Christmas, do you know the historical biblical Christmas story?

Test Your Knowledge of the true Christmas Story. Try not to look at the answers at the end, before you answer, think, and question what you really know about Christmas.

True or False

1. True / False The Bible says that Jesus was born in December.

2. True / False Jesus was not born in the year 0 (Zero) A.D. 3. True / False We are told that Mary rode into Bethlehem on a donkey.

4. True / False Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day of his life.

5. True / False Early Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus.

6. True / False The barn animals miraculously spoke the night Jesus was born.

7. True / False God is the real father of Jesus.

8. True / False Jesus always celebrated his birthday.

9. True / False Micah foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

10. True / False Mary, mother of Jesus, did not remain a virgin for the rest of her life.

11. True / False God told people to remember the birth of his son.

12. True / False The angels told the shepherds that they should worship the baby Jesus.

13. True / False The angel said, “Peace on earth to all men.”

14. True / False The wise men were present at the birth site of Jesus.

15. True / False We are told that the angels sang at the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

16. True / False The Bible tells us that three kings riding on camels visited Jesus.

17. True / False Mary gave birth on the night that she arrived in Bethlehem.

18. True / False The star led the wise men straight to Jesus. 19. True / False The tradition of giving presents at Christmas comes from the wise men.

20. True / False 25th of December was originally the date of a Roman pagan festival.

Multiple Choice

21. When Mary became pregnant, Mary and Joseph were a. married b. friends c. engaged d. none of the above 22. Christmas has always been observed a. on December 25 b. on January 17 c. on December 21 d. none of the above 23. What animals were present at Jesus’ birth? a. cows, sheep and camels b. cows, sheep and donkeys c. chickens, sheep, and pigs d. the Bible does not say 24. What are Magi? a. kings b. teachers c. Eastern kings d. astrologers 25. In what New Testament books will you find the Christmas story? a. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John b. Matthew and Luke c. Matthew, Mark, Luke and Revelation d. Matthew, Mark, and Luke 26. Who made the decree that all the world should be taxed? a. Pharaoh b. Caesar Augustus c. Pilot d. Herod 27. How many wise men does the Bible say went looking for Jesus? a. 5 b. 4 c. 3 d. the Bible does not say 28. Jesus was born in what town? a. Gaza b. Judaea c.

Jerusalem d. Bethlehem 29. What town did Jesus grow up in? a. Nazareth b.

Judaea c. Jerusalem d. Bethlehem 30. Linus, from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” quotes the Christmas story from what Bible passage? a. Genesis 3:1-7 b. Luke 2:8-14 c. Luke 3:8-14 d. Matthew 1:12-22 Answers: 1. False, 2. True, 3. False, 4. True, 5. False, 6.

False, 7. True, 8. False, 9.

True, 10. True, 11. False, 12.

False, 13. False, 14. False, 15. False, 16. False, 17. False, 18. False, 19. False, 20.

True. Multiple Choice: 21.

C – Engaged, 22. D – None of the above, 23. D – The Bible does not say, 24. D – Astrologers, 25. B – Matthew and Luke, 26. B – Caesar Augustus, 27. D – The Bible does not say, 28. D – Bethlehem, 29. A – Nazareth, 30.

B – Luke 2:8-14 All answers can be verified by reading the Bible (and watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas”). I wish you have a very Merry Christmas.

Remember, Christmas is not about gifts, eating, or celebrating. Christmas is about the Son of God, humbling Himself to be born on earth, live a sinless life, dying on the Cross, rising from the dead on the third day, ascending to Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God and soon He will return.

Christmas is about Son of God taking on human form to pay a price for my sin, your sin, for all sin. For sin cannot enter Heaven and without the forgiveness (the full payment for our sin) through Jesus Christ, we are without hope. Because of Jesus birth we have hope, my hope rests in Jesus. Who is your hope in?

Clayton P. Adams, West Memphis, Arkansas, email: claytonpadamslll@gmail.com.

Clayton Adams

Time in the Word