Blessings - Be Happy Giving Thanks - 537
By Timothy Lamb
From the song, Where Are You Christmas? From the movie, The Grinch
Who Stole Christmas:
“...My world is changing, I’m rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too?”
It is a rapidly changing world we live in. Governments and
principalities are transforming the global picture. The whole world
turns against a tiny nation – Israel. Groups we never would have
dreamed could gain legitimacy are gaining ground faster than we can
keep up...but who really wants to keep up?
Christians persecuted, imprisoned, and dying in mind-numbing numbers
for their faith; anti Christian views becoming increasingly popular,
even in our government and our courtrooms...”Does that mean Christmas
changes too?”
No, no, a thousand times no. Christmas is what it’s always been, we
just lost track of the point. The Grinch didn’t steal it, we sold it
out for fun and games...but for Christians the fun and games will
never fill the God-shaped hole.
Christmas didn’t happen to create a holy day for Jesus followers. The
Virgin Birth took place to mark the beginning of God’s plan of
redemption. The immaculate conception marks the beginning of Christs
sacrifice for mankind. As the Apostle John said “God became
flesh...”; as the Apostle Paul said to the Philippians He “...emptied
Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness
of men...humbling Himself...to...death on a cross.”
Christmas? Yes, this is Christmas. The suffering/servant Messiah –
heralded by Prophets and Angels – presented to a changing world in the
form of a child, vulnerable and weak – the unchanging God in a form no
one was prepared for.
The Hope of the world, the Promised deliverer...Immanuel – God with
us. The King of Israel in a baby blanket – God incarnate. The first
chapter in the story that culminates with the crucifixion, burial,
resurrection, and ascension of the grown Christ of Christmas.
Christmas means just what it did two thousand years ago. The
preparation for a New Covenant (Testament) between God and His people.
The Son of our God - being God Himself - begins the trek through time
that would result in the tearing of the veil and the unchanging God
becoming accessible through the Child born that day in the City of
David.
As we watch the events of the world unfold with the events of our
lives let us remember that God does not change. His love for us
remains constant and His plan for our redemption stays on course. We
should watch with awe as prophecy unfolds today and the scriptures are
proven accurate, much the same as when the birth of the Babe upset
kingdoms and frustrated rulers and changed the world.
We have fun with the Holiday. Presents and decorations and storybook
legends; songs and stars and snow and festivities...and food! These
have become Christmas to the world with their politically correct
“Happy Holidays” and “Winter Solstice” celebrations.
Christmas isn’t in the Bible as a day that was to be set aside.
Christ was not born for this. Have your fun on this day and take time
to give thanks to your Savior who humbled Himself by becoming like us
to teach us the real meaning of Gods love...on a cross.
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