Reflections on Christmas

I love Christmas. As a youngster, it was about presents and eating. (OK, I still like presents and LOVE to eat) but as I have matured, I am reminded of the significance of this time of the year.

This is CHRISTMAS season, not holiday, X-Mas, Yule, etc. Whatever pagan origins many of our traditions came from, our God is the creator of the universe. It was God the one true God who created items (trees, Yule logs, rituals etc) others may have used. Whatever paganism may have perverted, we can easily Christianize traditions and rescue them from the dark and superstitious errors of paganism.

With that said, why celebrate Christmas? Most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Christ. I will discus Christ later. (Saving the best for last.)

I also reflect on the faith of those seeking Him. I think of Mary. This girl was no more than thirteen or fourteen when God chose her to bring the Savior into the world. When given the Divine Decree, she humbled herself before God, calling Him her savior. Compare the Biblical Mary to the Mary invented by the Catholic church giving attributes to her not found in Scripture. These myths include her conception without Original Sin (Immaculate Conception), her bodily assumption into heaven upon her death(Glorious Assumption), prayers to her (Rosary) her interceding with Christ on our behalf, and unbiblical titles given to her such as co Redeemer, Queen of Heaven, Full of Graces, etc.

I think of Joseph who was given the responsibility of raising the God Man as his own. What must have he thought when he first discovered Mary was with child? The Bible tells us he was about to divorce her when an angel told him not to. Joseph submitted to God, acting in faith, steeping up to the plate to fulfill his duty God gave him. Would that more men would follow the example of this Godly man when raising their children.

We have the story of Simenon the priest and Anna the prophetess. Both waiting and rejoicing when Jesus was born.

Let us not forget the shepherds, outcasts in society who were given the privilege of worshipping the King.

Last of all, I think of the Wise Men. No doubt these men's ancestors heard the story of the coming Christ and believed. A commentary I have says it's possible Daniel was the one who gave the news to these gentiles. They in turn passed it down to their descendants. Luke tells us when they saw Christ laying in the manger, they worshipped him and gave gifts to Mary.

How can we not get excited about this time of year? Rich with theological truth, Christmas tells us of our sins and God's gracious sacrifice for us. As we reflect on this time of year, I'm reminded that because of the price Christ paid, I, my wife, daughter, and all those who have trusted in Him have everlasting life. I will see my mother again because of the debt Christ has paid. Scripture tells us not only did Christ die for our sins, but he will come again to execute judgment and those who trust in Him will reign with him.

Let us as Christians celebrate these truths not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.