Christmas. It evokes thoughts of Santa Claus, reindeer, snow, presents, wrapping, shopping, a warm fireplace on a chilly night, children anticipating the big day, and time spent with family and friends. My hope for you is all of the above.
But even moreso, my hope for you is that the real meaning of Christmas will land smack dab in the middle of your heart... and never leave.
Christmas is Jesus. Christmas is the birth of the Savior of the world, the one who came from heaven above, lived the perfect life, was crucified to pay the death penalty for your sin and mine, was raised again from the dead, and now lives eternally seeking a personal relationship with each and every one of us.
Christmas is not about religion. In fact, Jesus is not about religion. Religion is what we as human beings do and say in order to draw nearer to God. But that is where Christianity is different from EVERY other "religion" on the face of the earth. The Bible makes it clear that there is NOTHING we can do to be right with God. Our good deeds and well-meaning intentions are insufficient to gain us an entry into heaven. After all, if God is perfect (and He is), how could He allow anyone less than perfect into heaven? It would leave an indelible tarnish on heaven.
Jesus is the answer. Recognizing that we are hopeless without God's intervention, He sent His Son to be the perfect sacrificial lamb (according to the Jewish law... after all, Jesus was a Jew sent to the Jewish people.. ALL of the first Christians were Jews!) It is through the work of Jesus and Him alone that we are reconciled with God. That is why He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:6).
Santa will come and go. The presents will opened and many forgotten shortly thereafter. The cards will stack up. Our bellies will be stuffed with a variety of yummy food. And hopefully many will make new memories with family and friends.
Yet there is no peace on earth. If we are honest with ourselves, we may acknowledge that there is something missing in our lives. People attempt to fill this "hole" with material possessions and money. Others turn to drugs, alcohol, food, sex or work, but none provide the lasting peace we seek. And many depend on other people as their source of happiness. Alas, people tend to disappoint us, sooner or later.
The "hole in the soul" is actually Christ-shaped. It is a void that only He can fill. Only a relationship with the God of the Universe can provide you with a peace and security that will last for all eternity. He loves you more than you'll ever know. If you already know Him, I encourage you to foster that relationship. If you don't know Him, know that He is only waiting on you to ask. I pray you find Him this Christmas.
To my family, friends and faithful readers, I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
December 24, 2003 07:02 PM
And a merry Christmas to you too, Joel!