Tis the day before Christmas and the preparations are almost complete for the celebration of the first arrival, the birth, of God's Son. I like this time of year. I enjoy the lights on people's houses, the smell of fresh baked cookies and the decorated tree in the living room. I also appreciate the carols at the stores. At least most of them. Historic, theological accuracy, and logic are, at times, thrown to the wind, however, I can endue most "Christmas" music with a smile. "Santa Baby" is an exception, this song should be reserved for making terrorist confess. Even with the thought of "Peace on earth, good will toward men" some find the season an irritation. Even this morning I received an email railing on the pagan celebration called Christmas. I was reminded that Yeshua Messiah was likely born in the spring and this celebration is a commercial travesty if not outright blasphemy. So, once again I admit that there is a lot of stuff that does not jive with Scripture and that the Lord was probably born in the spring. Still, a time to celebrate what God has done does not seem like a bad thing. However, it did get me to thinking.
Perhaps we could set out to do things differently, to start a new tradition. In April we could bring an evergreen tree into our homes to be reminded of the everlasting life we have in the risen Savior. We could put bright lights on it and on our homes to proclaim that He is "the Light of the world". Just for fun we could exchange gifts in memory of the gift of life we have as Messiah conquered death. How about a ring of prickly holly on our doors to be reminded of the crown of thorns, the red berries could remind us of His shed blood. Some simple visual reminders of the passion of our Lord and the new life we have in Him. Obviously, we would want to share the good news and celebration with others.
Just imagine a group of churches banding together to go to the mall in April and begin singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Joy to the World". I will pause here so you can do this in your head, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ..." See, it does work. Or better yet have the group gather at the center of the mall on multiple levels and sing the "Easter Song" from Second Chapter of Acts. Give it a listen, it is a great song from 1974. Easter Song Now imagine one hundred or so voices from a variety of churches echoing this praise through the mall and then quietly dispersing leaving the mall dwellers to ponder the message. He is risen, Hallelujah!
The resurrection celebration should certainly superseded that of Messiah's birth. Without it Christmas is is just another story of a poor baby born 2000 years ago. Even His death only makes Him a martyr, it is His resurrection that makes Him savior. In the midst of our Christmas celebration do not forget the rest of the story. Maybe you should read Luke 2:8-14 and then Luke 24:1-6. The Child of the Christmas story is the risen King, Messiah and Lord.
Have a joyous Christmas and maybe I will see you at the mall come April to share in some Resurrection carols.
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