The Dichotomy of Christmas
There’s a dichotomy at play when it comes to Christmas. On one side, it provides opportunity for lavish generosity. On the other, selfishness. It offers an awareness of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know Him; and yet, the very opposite for those who do know Him. Can you say, “distractions?” Stating the obvious, we say we give gifts one to another in remembrance of Whom God gave for us; but in reality, many lose sight of the Gift.
The dichotomy continues in other forms. It’s supposed to be a season of love, and yet, some Christians get offended at non-believers who say “Happy Holidays,” instead of Merry Christmas. We are called to confess Christ, but militancy doesn’t necessary express His love to those who need it the most.
Here’s one: we are called to rest in Jesus, but then get all stressed out over the Christmas Season. That stress is wide-ranging as many are aware. God intended peace on earth, but for many it’s not exactly peaceful.
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Do you have a Christmas wish list? So what’s on it? Have you ever asked Jesus what’s on His?
To Have Christmas, You Need Jesus
Many have seen the bumper sticker that says, “No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.” The same could be said for Christmas: No Jesus, No Christmas. Know Jesus, Know Christmas. I’ll try not to get cliché here, but if you truly want a meaningful Christmas, you might want to try things God’s way.
So, what does God actually want? One thing on His list is you and your loved ones. In fact, He wants everyone. Does He have all of you, or part of you?
It’s easy to become me-focused, and always come asking God for things. In some cases, people demand their own way instead of His. What did Jesus say about following Him?
Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Moreover, when Jesus started teaching us about prayer, one of the first things He emphasized was the will of the Father: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). With the desire for His will, comes obedience, and with obedience, joy and peace.
Why did Jesus come to the earth? To reconcile us onto God, and provide the way to our Father. There’s more to it, but that’s a start.
Matthew 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
Non-believers haven’t had a true Christmas. Oh sure, many have experienced warmth and love that accompanies the season, but they have yet to experience the depth of true love. That’s the one part of Christmas they lack, which is why many feel an emptiness during the Season. Truthfully, the same could be said for many Christians. How so? They have disconnected themselves from Him. They’ve neglected the relationship.
If you fall in these later two categories, you can do something about it. If you’ve never knew Him, you can enter into relationship with Him. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Call on His Name and ask Him to come into your heart. Receive God’s forgiveness for your sins. “Please forgive me, in Jesus’ Name. Jesus, please be my Lord and Savior.” This is an introduction to Him. Merely mouthing words of a prayer won’t cut it. With sincerity, comes a new life. The past is in the past.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
If you have fallen away or have been distant, repent. Change the way you think, and return to Him. It’s not too late, nor are you too far gone.
So, what or perhaps, Who do you want for Christmas?
