Every so often you will see a sign that says, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” I think it is the title of a song written by John Peterson…not sure. So, it set me thinking about the reason (or reasons) we celebrate Christmas. For business people it is a chance to end the year in the black, for families it is a time to get together or at least remember we are part of a family, for some it is all about time off work to party and escape the humdrum of life. And sadly, for some it is just another day to get through their despair and discontentment. But for the real Christian, regardless of the circumstances of life, there is a definite promise from the God who cannot lie that the best is yet to come. Our “reason for the season” should be full of joy as we celebrate the miraculous event of Jesus’ first coming and looking ahead to His coming again for us.
2000+ years ago the God we worship, because of His compassion and unmeasurable love sent the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, the Son, down to this dark world to take on human form, not as a grown man, but as a baby, and who by the life He lived in His short 33yrs. showed us what God is really like and made sure we have a record of it all, including His last act of love and compassion; His brutal beating and death by crucifixion and then His resurrection and ascension back to His home in heaven. It is hard to believe because of what He did “we can have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But if you believe it then you know it’s true. EVERYTHING changes when Jesus Christ is your Saviour and you have a Father in heaven.
One of the things He said was; “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” He also told His disciples, “You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” That is life changing right there! He also warned them that most men will prefer darkness, and right He was, but consider this; the majority of countries in this world that is getting darker and more wicked and pronounced in its scorn and even hate for Him and His followers still has on its calendar a specific time of the year to celebrate Christ’s coming down to this planet. For how long we don’t know, but…shame on us when we are distracted by either celebrating Christmas like those who don’t want anything to do with Jesus or by “bah-humbugging” the season and trying to put a “spiritual “ spin on it.
We should be celebrating and enjoying this time by reflecting on the “reason for the season” and letting our light shine on the lives of all around us; our family and friends, our church family and as many people as God brings into our lives. And, yes, I am going to take my own advice!
“Our day of joy is here again, with love and peace and song;
Come, let us join the angelic strain with voices clear and strong.
When darkness lay upon this earth, a glorious light did shine;
God sent a Gift of priceless worth and showed His love divine.
Glory to our God, we sing, glory to our Lord and King;
Peace, good will with all abide this holy Christmas tide.”
(Andrew Skoog)