The Purpose of Christmas
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8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:8-19 (NIV)
The first Christmas that I remember was when I was around 6 years old. Christmas at our house was always a major production. Both of my parents were only children, making us the only children that three houses bought for… I remember riding bikes with my brother down to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Living in Florida, the day was around 75 degrees. My little mind could not reconcile our Christmas with the one on TV- no white on the ground, no snowman, no mittens… (In fact, one year I literally sunbathed on Christmas day and got a lovely pink glow. But I digress…) But when we came home , both sets of grandparents arrived, and packages spilled out from beneath the Christmas tree!
We had a delicious dinner. Where the parents and grandparents languished for hours over the Christmas meal. (Perhaps a childish perspective?) And finally, there was nothing but flying wrapping paper and exclamations of delight!
That was a high point Christmas. The miracle of Christmas tantalized my mind. All of my family was present and well. This is the feeling that I try to recreate every year.
But let’s be honest. As much as I love Christmas, it is truly just one day. Like any other day. Some years it finds us abounding, while others we are abased. Some years we are battling serious illness (like this year) and others are relatively carefree. Christmas interrupts real life for a small pause. But for those sitting outside of ICU, standing in a lonely cemetery, or those who greet the holidays in loneliness, the joy may not immediately be evident to them. For the rest, the empty tree signals the return to a lackluster, problem- riddled life.
The first Christmas was just like that. It was not a special day. People were coming to the census as the king demanded. Shepherds were watching over the same stinking sheep. The king was still nursing insecurities. Wise men were following their hobby of star gazing.
And then suddenly the angels appear with a glorious announcement!
“10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Did you see that? The men were afraid on Christmas day! They were terrified. Just like some of you. They were working, living ordinary, work-a-day lives. Like some of you. They were lacking good news, or great joy. Like some of us! And that, my friend, is the beauty of the Christmas story!
It is not about presents, delicious dinners, or family gatherings. Though these are lovely additions to the day. Christmas day is about bringing good news of great joy to the hurting, the lonely, the fearful, the ordinary people. Messiah has come! He has lowered himself to be born and become our sacrificial Lamb- who takes away the sins of the world. He brings the good news- that Emmanuel– God is with us! We are not alone; He was born. Our Deliverer has risen and ascended!
Join me for the conclusion of the Christmas story. With fresh eyes and ears to marvel at the glory of these good tidings of great joy:
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. “
Dear Lord, for those fearful, sick or sad this Christmas, penetrate their heart, I pray, with inexplicable, great joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
