The holiday season is here once more, but the simplicity of the season is now a thing of the past. Merchants and consumers run amuck. Obscurantists insist that Jesus was not born on December 25th. Some insist that we should never abbreviate Christmas as “Xmas”. They fail to realize that the “X” is not an attempt to minimize or negate the Christ, but simply an abbreviation for Christ. Kwanzaa (which I appreciate) was dropped right in the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, and that with less than good intentions as purported by some. The Jews also celebrate Chanukah (Festival of Lights) around this time of the year. Santa, Rudolf and the Grinch have carved out their stakes in the mix, and by and large, are what some would call innocent distractions. What of the First Lady and red Christmas trees? With all these things competing for our attention, allegiance, time and money, what are we to do? The following story provides an example of what we should not do.
Some years ago there were two proud parents who were celebrating the birth of their new baby. The guests arrived on a cold winter day. The baby slept whilst proudly displayed in his basket for all to admire on a table in the front room of the home. Persons would hang their coats in the vicinity. It was not too long before the coats began to cover the baby. The celebrations continued until someone asked about the baby. They were struck with unspeakable horror as they uncovered the infant who lay dead having been smothered by the coats.
The celebration was for and about the child, yet more was made of the food, friends and gifts than the child. Let us not lose sight of what this season is about. We are celebrating the birth of the Christ! It does not matter when He was born but that He was born. Stay focused! Fix your gaze upon Him who is the reason for the season. All other December celebrations/events pale in comparison to the commemoration of the advent of the Prince of Peace, King of kings & Lord of Lords!! The verse below expresses the significance of His advent to the human family very well.
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that men no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King.” – Charles Wesley (altered) – See ref. Luke 2:14
It is still a wonderful time of the year! May God give us the wisdom and grace to navigate around and through the distractions to truly hearken to and hail Him who was born to die for us.
Blessings always. From your servant and classmate Walton a.k.a. “Freddy”
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