"And the Word was made 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
I had an interesting comment on my post last week about what Christmas wasn't about. It was hard to tell whether the commenter was a Christian who didn't think we should celebrate Christmas or a non-Christian who thinks Christians like me are inconsistent when we celebrate Christmas. Either way here are my thoughts:
The Old testament and Jewish traditions tell of many Holy Days and festivals. Jesus is even seen celebrating Jewish fesitvals in the New Testament. In fact Jesus' last evening on earth is spent partaking a Passover meal. As Holy and important as those Old testament traditions were, in my opinion they pale in comparison to the fulfillment of God's promise of a Messiah who would redeem the world.
Next to the day Jesus bore our sin, then the day when He conquered death, I can think of no greater miracle than when God became flesh and dwelt amoung us. It gave a dark world hope, and that is why we celebrate Christmas.
Gifts are given, feasts are prepared, songs are sung, and time is spent in great joy with family because the world has a reason it can be truly happy. God became man so that we could be redeemed from our sins, and a curse could finally be broken.
Was Jesus truly born on December 25th? Probably not, but does it truly matter? Knowing that our God loved us so much, that He was willing to send His Son into the world for us, while we were yet sinners, that's truly worth celebrating! It's worth celebrating with Gusto and Fanfare.
If you're celebrating Christmas because you want another excuse to eat turkey with family, you want more toys, and you enjoy decorating, then you're celebrating for the wrong reasons.
If however you're celebrating Christmas because God has freed you from your sins, and given you a reason for true joy and celebration, then that's when celebrating is truly worth it. Holy celebration of God's gift and sacrifice.
There is a time to bow in reverence before the manger as we reflect on God's precious gift, and there is a time to shout and dance in praise because of our freedom that was bought when Christ became flesh.
Blessings!
Blessings!
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