Emotions run high this time of year and can sometimes cloud our thinking or cause us problems if we let the emotions rule us. We long for those who are no longer here with us and are reminded of that loss even more as we gather around the table as a family or when opening presents. We also forget that not everyone has family to spend with at this time of year and that others are not as fortunate in many areas.
We get so wrapped up in self-pity sometimes during this season which is not supposed to stress us out or keep us hopping from one event to another, we don’t stop long enough to even ponder the real meaning of Christmas.
Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn for their child to be born while many have no room in their hearts or lives for the Saviour of the world. Christmas has become about “me” and what gifts I will get this year instead of appreciating what we already have and just enjoying fellowshipping with family and friends. There should be no drama, no dread, but only happiness that the Christ child was born. He bore our sins; by grace we are forgiven and when we accept Him, we have eternal life. We tend to turn the simplest things into the worst nightmare and we have no one to blame but ourselves. We blur the meaning of Christmas with the hurrying and scurrying, decorating, buying and maxing out credit cards, making sure the children see Santa and make out their arm-length wish list to the extent that the Biblical truth of the Christ child cannot be found in our celebrations. Perhaps we need to do away with what have become our traditions of presents and examine the truth, then begin again with why we even celebrate Christmas.
Before Jesus was born there was no hope in the world, but at His birth we were all given hope. We were lost in our sins. We needed a Savior and God provided us with one. Yes, there is trouble everywhere you look, and it all boils down to the war between good and evil, all those forces who are against Christ.
Jesus broke down the wall between man and God and brought us eternal life if we confess Him as Lord and Saviour. There is no other way.
But for a moment I want you to think about His birth. He was born in a manger in a stable. A manger is a trough where animals eat. Back then it was most likely made of stone which meant it was also cold. It was a lowly birth and it had to be that way so He would not become an exclusive Saviour. Such a lowly birth made him accessible to people from all walks of life. Had Joseph been a rich man, he could most likely have bought a room in the inn even if there wasn’t any. The innkeeper turning them away speaks volumes as well. How callous and without compassion to turn out a woman in labor. But Joseph and Mary didn’t complain; they trusted God completely.
Mary was a teenager. How many teenagers do you know today that would not have complained the whole time having to ride a donkey such a long way?
Christ came into the world, the same as you and I did. He was a baby and therefore, did things babies do. Yet, He was fully God and fully man.
While most babies today are born in a sterile environment, that was not the case when Jesus was born. Newborns were wrapped in strips of cloth to protect them from the elements and from the unsterile environment. The way they were wrapped restricted the baby’s movement. It may sound cruel but was necessary because the mortality rate for infants then was very high. His whole life was a model of humility.
He came to save us and would give up His life for us. Many today are still trying to kill Him with words, removing Him from schools and every other public place they can raise a ruckus over.
We have way too many things in our lives today. Too much stuff and yet we strive for more instead of just being content. Our standard of living can in no way be compared to the way Christ lived and quite frankly I think we should be ashamed of ourselves and what we have made our Christmas celebrations into these days.
Is He the reason for the season in your life? Do you give God the glory when you spend your last dollar on a gift? Do you remember to give thanks when your family and friends gather to share a meal together? Can you really rest in the fact that it is the thought that counts, not the gift, and not grumble if you don’t get something you want?
Christ’s birth was a big event and there is nothing wrong with celebrating, but there is something wrong if the way we celebrate does not honor Him or remind us why we are even celebrating in the first place. Our lives should not be so complicated or filled with drama, and we should not be blinded by material things. These things never last and you certainly can’t take them with you. We need to remember that and try putting more quality into our lives instead of quantity of things. I challenge each of you to rethink what’s really important this year and to keep Christ in Christmas.
Blessings and Merry Christmas from our house to yours. ©2015