I was talking with a friend the other day about Christmas. Shocking, right? Amidst all the stress of finding the right present in the right price range ( a feat nearly impossible for me to do - especially for my nephew) I began to reflect on what Christmas really is. This reflection has been prompted by many events - the latest being the conversation I mentioned above.
I have written before of my love for advent and how during this particular season I feel the most connected to the people of the Old Testament. In the four weeks leading to Christmas we are all bound in anticipation of the coming savior. Granted, I can never know exactly how they felt because my anticipation is for something that has already taken place. Seems a little strange to anticipate a past event, yet that is what we are meant to do. Or is it?
One thing I have learned during my theological study is that our faith is full of past events that have ongoing meaning and significance. The incarnation or the Word of God made flesh (as it says in John 1:1-2) was a unique event that occurred over 2,000 years ago, but ask any evangelical Christian if they have a personal relationship with Jesus, and they'll respond in the positive. How is that possible? Because these events of God are ongoing. They can be placed in history, but they are not limited to history.
Steve Foss, a former boss of mine and Methodist pastor, delivered a sermon on Sunday to a group of his former employees about looking for the ongoing significance of Christmas in our lives today. But really, shouldn't we be looking for God's continuing action throughout history instead? The events of the Christmas story are one story among many of God's love and faithfulness to his people. The real Christmas story begins at creation and never ends because Christmas is about God and what he has done and what he continues to do.
Therefore, as we celebrate Christmas and spend time with family and friends and eat turkey or ham or meatballs or whatever tradition you have, don't forget to tell the story. And not just the parts with shepherds and angels, but the parts where God loves the world he creates and Christ dies to save that world and the Holy Spirit is with us now to lead us back to God.
I hope I haven't said anything too heretical. If you come away from this post with nothing else, remember this: Christmas is only part of the story. A wonderful part, no doubt.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
PS - I'm currently in South Dakota and there have been 2 blizzards since I've been home. Today we had a heat wave - it was 20 degrees above 0! Needless to say - I'll be having a White Christmas.
Baby bunnies!!!
4 months ago
