12/24/2021
This is the Christmas season and is well known to be one of hustle, and bustle, as people work hard to fit parties, gift buying, decorating their homes, traveling to be with family, candle light services, choir concerts, and additional worship services into their already busy schedules; not to mention preparing enormous meals for family feasts. In the midst of all this, where has the time been set aside to sit quietly by the manger and look upon the sleeping Christ Child? Where is our solemn time when we contemplate the life of Jesus, and all that lies ahead for this tiny infant as He suckles at His mother’s breast? Where is the hushed time when we listen for the flutter of angel wings as they hover over this Son of God? Where is the holy time at the heart of this divine birth? Where is the peace of Christ, and the rest He gives us, as we worship Him?
“And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.”
Mark 6:31-32 ESV
We can’t seem to separate ourselves from the world around us long enough to take a moment’s rest, hold this baby in our arms, listen to His gentle breathing, and experience the sweet sounds He makes as He dreams. We can’t spend a holy season simply contemplating all that we know this perfect infant will soon face. Even in this, the fullness of time, we remain immersed in the world.
“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
Matthew 16:21 ESV
When our children are born we look at them and wonder what their lives will be like. We pray for their health, provision, that they will lead good and joyous lives, and that the hand of God will always be on them. Our hopes and dreams for them are wrapped up in those prayers, but we also have worldly desires for them. We want them to have good jobs, wealth, beautiful families, fine homes, and everything the world can offer, but what dominates our desires for them? Do we spend more time and energy praying for the spiritual blessings, or wanting for the worldly things? Perhaps we confuse the two? Is this confusion what Christmas has become for us? Have the useful gifts brought by the magi been replaced with short lived toys or frivolous trinkets and symbols of our wealth?
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11 ESV
God sent His Son because He loved the world, so our worldly celebration is understandable, but He went further than this… He said that whosoever believed in Him would receive everlasting life. The birth of Jesus was not a gift to the world, but for the redemption of the world through faith.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:17 ESV
Without our faith in Jesus the world is still lost. So how are we celebrating Christmas this year? What does the heightened activity of this season really mean to us? Would it be better to sit quietly beside the holy infant and worship Him, or drink and be merry at a few parties where not even a prayer is offered… only the question “Are you ready for Christmas?” as people ask whether we have bought all our many gifts yet. Is this the celebration of God’s greatest gift to us, or just another time away from work, an excuse to give our gifts, and a reason to throw a party? Christmas has been hijacked by the world, are we ready to take it back by going to a quiet place where we can find rest in Jesus?
“And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.”
Acts 16:31-32 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the birth of your Son Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the Prince of Peace. Thank you Lord for the life He lived, and for our redemption through His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. Help us to celebrate His birth, and to do so in a manner worthy of our faith in Him. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your only begotten Son to redeem us. Praised be your name for all that He has done to glorify you, and help us to keep Him in our hearts forever. Merciful are you who forgives us our sins, through the receipt of our prayers of contrition and remorse. Your Grace flows through Jesus, and it is all we need to be found worthy before you… washed in the blood of Christ, and firm in our faith. Seat us before you Father, and hear our praise and worship forevermore. Give us the rest, and peace of the Christ Child, now and always.
Rich Forbes