Christmas: Wonder and Awe

 

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).(NASB)

 Hey Gang, there is no doubt that the Christmas story is filled with wonder and awe. It fills young and old with delight that is even more enjoyable and amazing because it is all true! I found the following quips about Christmas somewhere in my travels and share them with you this morning.

Shepherds, at the bottom of the social fabric of that time, were entertained and blessed by a choir of angels that filled the night with glory and hope. Mysterious Wise Men from the East followed a star that brought them to Bethlehem, where they worshipped and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the new-born King.

Then there is the centerpiece of the story: a young couple, she at least was a teenager, who were uniquely chosen to bring the Christ-child into the world. They faced a challenge of faith and courage that was undergirded by angelic visitations! Mary, the young virgin maiden, was with child without ever knowing a man before marriage; an outward looking scandal by any stretch of the imagination. Then there was Joseph, who had to endure the gossip and “whisperings” of a community who knew nothing of the angelic announcement heralding the birth of Jesus.

More sinister still was Herod’s plot to kill the child and, by so doing, frustrate the will and purpose of God for world redemption. The Christmas story is truly beautiful, amazing and thought provoking. For Christians, it teaches us:

       1.  That Christmas is worth celebrating since all of Heaven did so and gave beautiful voice to the wondrous events as they were unfolding in Bethlehem. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke devote lengthy passages to this story of wonder and great joy. We should do the same Re-read them carefully.

     2.  That Christmas is the ‘Hope of the world’. God became man and did so to save us from our sins and give us a new beginning. The message is ever the same: peace and goodwill to all the world; a peace and goodwill which has to be appropriated individually through repentance and faith in the finished work of the Son of God on the cross.

     3.  That Christmas has a unique message in the gifts delivered to the Christ-child by the Magi from the East. Gold was a tribute to his identity-He is King of the Jews and the King of Kings of all the world. Frankincense has a priestly connection, meaning his life would be pleasing to God and sinless. And myrrh foreshadowed that he would die for the sins of world – for any who would repent and accept His salvation. This is because myrrh was a burial ointment was used to prepare the body for its final resting place.

     4.  That Christmas reminds us of a conflict that ever rages over the souls of men. Dark forces were at work on that beautiful, awe-inspiring night. They sought to destroy the babe born to Mary and Joseph and ultimately sought the destruction of all of humankind. This battle continues! The enemy wants death for us all.

So good buddies, we would do well, then, to gather our families together and carefully read this wonderful narrative from the Gospels. Worship and prayers of thanksgiving and joy should ascend to Heaven and sweet carols of years gone by should bathe our souls in the wondrous love of God. We would do well to visit the House of God on Christmas morning and there, together with all the family of God, give thanks for the gift of all gifts that became ours on Christmas Day.

Blessings,

 Gramps

 PS from Gma – Choose your favorite Christmas Carol and read ALL the verses. See how much of the ‘Life of Redemption’ you find.  Most of us think these only tell of Baby Jesus; see if you see the Cross and Resurrection in the Carols.