Christmas Reflections

I’m reading Luke 2:1-20 this evening at our Christmas Eve service and as I read through this passage this morning, I couldn’t stop the tears from coming.  I read this story as for the first time, but it also occurred to me that the story of Jesus’ birth is so much more than a part of history; so much more than just a written account of something that happened two thousand years ago.  It is a loud and resounding affirmation that the words written by the ancient prophets are true, all  true, and that the rest of God’s word will come to pass.  It cannot be stopped.  Incredible.  The baby that we read about and whose birth we will celebrate tomorrow grew up into a man, was crucified, rose again, defeated sin and death, and lives forever in a glorified human body.  But here’s the best part:  He’s coming again, as the God-Man, to rule forever, and will establish perfect peace, justice and righteousness.

It’s easy to get preoccupied with the manger at Christmastime, I think.  The baby Jesus is easy to deal with.  We think, “Awww…there was no room for him in the inn, but I’ll make a little room for him in my life.”  So we remember the Christmas story amidst all our festivities and Christmas traditions.  The Jesus who grew up into a man, though, demands much, much more than just a little space in our lives.  He wants our hearts, our minds, our stregnth.  He demands it all.  He will  come again and declare war on sin and unrighteousness and, to put it bluntly, it’s going to be a hostile take over.  He’s not coming as a baby this time, and he won’t be crucified again.  Many will hate his leadership.  The cool thing is is that we can give Jesus rule over our lives now, we can chose to love his leadership in our lives now. 

This Christmas I pray that you will reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.  Yes, it began in a manger, but it reaches far into eternity and transends our finite understanding of a God who became flesh for us.  It is about a plan set in motion by Holy God to set up his kingdom here on earth.  And we get to be part of it.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!