Christmas, anyone?

We hear fables about Christmas. We have heard about Christmas miracles. We all know the Biblical story of Christmas found in the gospels according to Matthew and Luke. Here are some thoughts about Christmas: 

Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. God had forewarned them that if they ate the fruit from a certain tree, they would surely die. And died they did. They died spiritually. They lost the close communication between mankind and God; Genesis 2 and 3. When God says something, we are to make certain we understand His meaning and not our own.

Adam and Eve’s offspring inherited the spiritual deadness. The very first act of murder happened soon after they ate from the tree; Genesis 4. Morality started deteriorating rapidly. God saw that He had to intercede. But He set up laws that He must adhere to such as the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23 and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness in Hebrews 9:23. He is faithful to His word. The best way to adhere to these laws and still save mankind from eternal separation from Him was to send a piece of Himself: Jesus Christ.

You would think Jesus would be born in a king’s palace. After all, He is a King. But no. There was no place for Him. He was born in a manger in a barn. You see, it was never His purpose to be born in a magnificent setting. He was born to be a sacrifice for His creation, us. As the song says, He was born to die.

Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day more than two thousand years ago. He humbled Himself. He lived like a poor man, yet He is very rich. Appearances did not faze or impress Him. He was gentle. He never turned anyone away. He healed everyone seeking Him. He demonstrated love, peace, joy, humility, submission, authority, objectivity, compassion, understanding, patience, wisdom, knowledge, forgiveness, generosity, and endurance. He protected, healed, and taught His followers. He supplied all of their needs while they remained with Him even the ones who betrayed Him. He confronted hypocrisy. He is still the same now as He was when He walked the earth in human form; Hebrews 13:8.

Jesus Christ lived a holy life. There was no wrong found in Him. Yet He was beaten, pierced, crushed, oppressed, and afflicted; Isaiah 53. Why? To reconcile humankind with God and enable them to live with Him for all eternity. He died so we won’t have to. He rose again on the third day so we can rise with Him. He became the last Adam. The first Adam severed the spiritual bond. Jesus Christ preserve it for anyone who believes in His redemptive work; John 3:16. Who will you choose? The first Adam or Jesus Christ?

We hear about all kinds of love stories during the Christmas season. Jewelry stores exploit this time to encourage marriage proposals. But the love of Christ is different. It is complete. It is unconditional. It is accepting of the unacceptable and the misfit. So what is Christmas all about? It is about Christ. It is about the greatest love story ever.

Merry Christmas!