My recent class at Rockbridge Seminary is over, I am actually off from work until next Monday, so I had some free time to jot down my thoughts. The first thing that popped in my mind was the fact that Christmas was only three days away. This year has gone by so fast! Then it hit me.....the Christmas "stuff" that goes on this time of year that totally takes the focus off what Christmas is all about, is quickly engulfing everyone.
I recently saw on the news that 35-43% of people in the world who do not believe in God were celebrating Christmas. Wait.........celebrating Christmas? Why? Has the meaning of Christmas been so diluted that everyone just thinks it's a time for giving gifts, putting up lights, putting up a tree? Which by the way has NOTHING to do with Christmas. I don't recall a lit up tree and lights around the manger being mentioned in the Bible. Yeah, there were gifts for Jesus from the Magi, but many months or even years later (Matthew 2:11).
So, we are not suppose to have the lights, trees, etc? Oh, no, I think that is cool, BUT we must remember that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior. You remember, that dude that was sent from God to save us? Oh yeah, it was God's son! Why did we need saving? Have you looked at us lately? Do you seriously think we have it all together and can do it on our own? HA!
Lets just say it, Adam and Eve blew it for all of us. That bridge between God and man was pretty secure until....well you know the story. God tried to re-establish that relationship, but oh no....we kept screwing it up. So God figured if we can't keep the bridge up, He would send the ultimate engineer to not only repair the bridge, but hold it up for us. That my friends was Jesus.
So, where is this all leading? Let us remember that Christmas is the time we should be focused on one thing, to celebrate one event and that is the birth of our Savior. Without Him, nothing else really matters, does it?
One last thought, as we celebrate our Savior's birth, remember that He came for everyone. There are still many in darkness who don't know the saving grace of our dear Lord. This time of year is flowing extra with the spirit of Giving, spirit of Love and the spirit of Hope. Don't forget to smile, to say Merry Christmas, to give a little extra and to be the face of Christ.
Merry Christmas my friends and have a glorious time celebrating the birthday of our Savior.
Chappy
