By Russ Atmore
It
is that time of year again. It seems that Christmas last year was
yesterday, but here another one is upon us. Every year the mad rush to
buy gifts, put up Christmas trees, decorate them, prepare Christmas
lunches, and other meals comes upon us. It becomes a maddening rush. We
so often follow the world in its standards of Christmas that we hardly
have time to truly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas
is not found in the giving of gifts. Christmas is not found in Christmas
trees. Christmas is not found in having the family around. In and of
themselves these things are not necessarily wrong, yet without question
they can obscure the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas finds it ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, conceived by the
Holy Spirit, born of a virgin in first century Bethlehem.
Galatians 4:4 - “But
when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman….”
John 1:14 - “The Word
became flesh and made His dwelling among us….”
The birth of Jesus was not a
really pleasant experience for all concerned. There were many unanswered
questions for Mary and Joseph. Even today, think of the questions that
can be asked. The King of kings born in a filthy cattle manger! Who are
you trying to kid? Surely God could have provided better for His Son.
Christians, however, believe that God did it just right – perfectly in
fact. From such an ignominious birth, Jesus blossomed into manhood. The
Bible affirms that He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God
and men (Luke 2:52).
Most of our celebrations
around Christmas are definitely pagan in origin. Christmas trees are
pagan, but what would Christmas be without one, we ask? But Christmas,
you see, is not in all these things. It is only in Christ. Bethlehem is
just the stepping stone to Calvary, which was simply the most awful
event in human history, and at the same time, the grandest event ever to
occur in this world.
Will your focus this year be
on the peripherals that surround the true meaning? Will you focus on
such things as gifts and trees, mince pies and Christmas pudding,
turkeys, and so on, or will you turn your heart to the Christ child,
Maker of heaven and earth, who took the unprecedented step of entering
our world to save sinners. The Babe in Bethlehem, as He lay powerless in
that manger still held the universe together by the Word of His power.
He is Immanuel – God with us. This is Christmas.
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