When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.
It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate. -Brian L. Harbour, James W. Cox, The Minister's Manual: 1994, San Fransico: Harper Collins, 1993, p. 254.
At Christmas time we find ourselves getting all wrapped up with the business of the holiday rather than the true meaning of what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I pray that we can focus on the greatest gift of all, the gift that God sent to us through the Virgin Mary long ago.
It seems that throughout the years we, instead of realizing the true meaning of Christmas, have wrapped Jesus up with wrapping paper decorated with Santa, Sugar plums, Egg-Nog and the almighty dollar. It's high time we unwrap JESUS and realize what Christmas is all about! Let's get a better look at Christmas and unwrap the best present of all! To help us do this, we need to ask ourselves the following questions...
What do you think Christmas means to the non-Christian? To someone that has never accepted His love and forgiveness. To someone that lives in a far off region, living in a hut, who knows nothing of Santa, presents or Christmas trees? What do you suppose Christmas mean to them?
What do you think it means to little children in a third world country with no running water, and empty bellies? What does Christmas mean to them? What does Christmas means to each of you. Do you cherish the truths?
Now, I know that it means different things to different people.To store merchants it is the busiest time of the year. Stores stay open longer, and hire extra people to accommodate all the shoppers. It means more profit, hopefully enough profit to see them through lean times ahead.
For some employees it means a Christmas bonus, a little more money in their pockets to do things that they want to do. For many teen-agers and adults, it's a time of fun and parties. For children it is a time of impatience, with time seeming to pass so slowly, as they wait for Christmas morning.
But, somewhere in between all of this, are we forgetting the who and the what Christmas is all about? The true meaning, not the fluff that engulfs us at every turn. I refer you Luke 2:8-14. The fact that God made the announcement to shepherds helps us to understand the real meaning of Christmas. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," and He chose to announce that to shepherds first of all.
Shepherds were at the opposite end of the society of the day. They lived in the fields with their animals. They weren’t respected. They had no power or prestige. Yet, God’s angel came to them and said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord." Unto shepherds a Savior was born.
In that one simple announcement God made known some very important truths. First of all, it tells us, "No matter how insignificant you may think you are, God knows you, and you are important to Him." The second thing this passage teaches us is that life matters. Not only you, but your life counts with God. Finally, this. Your faith matters, too. Shepherds were men of faith. They probably had more faith than some of the scribes and Pharisees who went to the synagogue every day.
They believed in a Messiah. They prayed over and over again, "Let the Messiah come. Let Him come today!" There must have been many who quit praying, and quit having faith. But when the announcement came to shepherds, God was saying, "Your faith matters, and it is not in vain. I am a God who hears and who keeps His promises. Now the Messiah has come, and I have kept My promise."
How about us? Sometimes we become weary. There may be times when we wonder if it is worthwhile going to church. There are times when we wonder if it is worth sacrificing for God. Sometimes we wonder if our prayers are even heard. We wonder why He is waiting so long. We wonder if it is worth it all.
But one day He will come. He will come for all of us, shepherds & kings, wisemen and peasants. He will come for His people. He’ll dry our tears and take away our pain. There will be no more death, no more good-byes. Then we’ll say, "It was worth it. It was worth it all!"
Friends, the Christmas season is among us. This is also our time as Christians to share what it truly means to us. This is our time as Christians to take a stand and share the truth with a world that has accepted lies, and meritocracy for far too long. This is our time as Christians to get busy for the Lord, our Savior, The one and only Christ. This is our time to realize the importance of Christmas. What does it mean to you?
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:7; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; John 6:40-41; Luke 1:35
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Have a blessed week!
Bibi
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