In this post, I hope to outline my own theology of why I think we as Christians should celebrate Christmas. You are perfectly free to disagree with me.
But what about us, who as Christians, recognize the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, on that particular day? Why do we celebrate Christmas? The word "Christmas" comes from two words: 'mass', meaning 'celebration', and Christ, referencing the name of our Saviour. So the name Christmas simply means 'Celebrating Christ'. Unfortunately Jesus has not become the focus of many people during this season. Instead Christ has relegated to a back shelf. So I believe that we should celebrate the birth of Jesus all year round, but especially at this time, to be reminded of his coming - for us.
See amid the winter's snow,
Born for us on Earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.
Born for us on Earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.
He who, throne'd in height sublime,
Sits among the cherubim.
Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies.
Sits among the cherubim.
Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies.
Think about that for a moment. The wonders of the Incarnation are astounding. The God of the Universe, the one who holds all things in the palm of his hands, came down as a little human baby, in the grand scheme of God's plan for our salvation. If he had not been born as a man, and then throughout his life, kept the whole law perfectly, his death on the cross would have done us no good. He had to be sinless, and yet be one of us, in order to take my sin and give me his righteousness. Is not that a reason to celebrate his birth?
Just like we have a particular season during which we give thanks (Thanksgiving), I believe that we should take time to remember and think and celebrate upon the wondrous birth of Jesus. We may or may not have trees or gifts or parties, but take time to celebrate the greatest gift of all: the Son of God given for us, Jesus Christ, my Saviour.
Is He yours?
Written and Posted by William A Moore
Just like we have a particular season during which we give thanks (Thanksgiving), I believe that we should take time to remember and think and celebrate upon the wondrous birth of Jesus. We may or may not have trees or gifts or parties, but take time to celebrate the greatest gift of all: the Son of God given for us, Jesus Christ, my Saviour.
Is He yours?
Written and Posted by William A Moore
Great reminder. There's an acapella group (Rescue) who sings a song with a very similar thought-line. One of the verses goes "...What does Jesus think of a world's imported Christmas dream? It hard to believe that there's a need we seem to have for this Christmas season. But even with all the joy we seem to have forgot the reason."
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this William!
ReplyDeleteI think the giving of presents is beautiful, and even beneficial to our faith, but only when the giver and receiver realize the symbolism of this practice: the priceless gift God gave to the world.
When we fail to remember and meditate on that, it is so easy to become selfish in even the giving of gifts, (only giving in the presence of an audience, wanting to be acknowledged and applauded.)
We as Christians should be the most joyful and generous around Christmas time, and year round, because we truly have an eternal reason to rejoice.
Amen, Aislinn!
ReplyDeleteThat sums up what I could not get into in my post! :-)