The Christmas lights have been turned off, the excitement of gift exchanges has faded, and all the decor of Christmas has now been put away and moved into the shadows of the common. What has happened to the Christ of Christmas? While in that season, the warm complimentary words and songs we heard at least gendered some sentimental thoughts of Jesus’ birth stimulating the world’s thoughts and emotions at least several times a day. But how often does our world think of Him now that the season has passed? How might our thoughts have changed?
Even though chief priests and Jewish leaders were fully aware from Scripture the Messiah was coming and their spies reported a strange rumor of a baby’s birth, they dismissed it as a silly fantasy and carried on with their weekly routines. King Herod may have heard in his daily briefings of this unusual event, but he was far too busy with governing issues to give it a second thought—that is until later when the wisemen showed up.
In contrast, Jesus’ birth left Mary and Joseph and the shepherds in a continued state of awe, wonder and maybe confusion because they were invited to take part in the most dynamic event in history. Twelve days after this event, because Simeon and Anna had been eagerly anticipating the coming Messiah, when they saw Him and the Holy Spirit revealed His identity, they experienced what would be the most ecstatic, life-changing moment of their life. They rejoiced that they were privileged to actually see the Son God had sent to this earth.
Which of those Bible characters represents how you have responded since Christmas? Was Christmas just another annual commercial event altered by our pandemic that upstaged His birthday? Has COVID-19 and the uncertain political and economic status continued to dominate the talking points among your acquaintances? Has it affected your planning for 2021 more than the Christ of Christmas? Might you be a bit more like the Jewish leaders who knew all about the event but categorized it as another commercially high-jacked religious holiday?
I remind you, when things do not go as you had hoped, to pause and reflect on the fact the Christ of Christmas is still the sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is still in absolute control of all things. Remember that also when the time comes when He offends you—yes, offends you! How do suppose Mary felt when Simeon told her a sword will pierce your own soul too? Too often we get caught up in fantasizing our blessed future and forget that Jesus said Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34, ESV). He also said “…A slave is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you…” (John 15:20, NLT2). Those words offend but also bring hope knowing we will be His hand when those painful times come. The Spirit also offends us when we cannot have what we think should be our right to have or do.
Please keep the wide-angle view of the future in the forefront of your mind. The Bible clearly teaches Christ is the King and we are not His peer, we are His devoted servants. If we are serious about being a Christ-follower, we must also learn to live as He lived, a disciplined life obedient to His Father even to the point of the cross AND the glorious resurrection. It is living that kind of life that results in the most abundant life possible. Continue to remind yourself in these days following Christmas.
God remains on His throne. Praise Him that He never changes!
Great stuff … good food for thought and prayer!