As much as Christmas has become commercialized, and Santa-fied, let us not forget the root word of the title for the day: Christ. We celebrate (not necessarily the exact day, but…) Christ humbling Himself, leaving His throne in the heavens and becoming one of us – the lowest of us – so that we could look to Him as our ultimate example in this human form.
We cannot live our lives to the standard that God requires. God knows this, and that is why Jesus Christ came to this earth, and lived the life that we could never live, to pay a debt that we could never pay.
We deserve nothing outside of pain, punishment, and death.
That is why we sing Joy to the World!! Because the Lord has come to our aid. Listen to the old Christmas Carols again (like Silent Night) and realize that the celebration and warmth in those words has everything to do with “Christ the savior (being) born,” so that He could live like one of us… and then die the death that we don’t have to.
The book of Luke, in the Bible, chronicles the detailed version of the story. Luke was a doctor, and very systematic in his writing. From Jesus’ birth, His dedication, His coming of age in the temple during Passover, to John – his cousin’s – return from the opening pages of the book, through Jesus’ ministry, and ultimately His death, Luke paints a vivid narrative of Jesus life. If you haven’t read the Christmas account in the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel do so today, and share it with your kids. Remind them that Jesus came to this earth to make a way for us to live with God forever.
Jesus died a criminal’s death so that we – the true criminals against God’s law – could live again in the presence of Almighty and Holy God. That’s a great reason for Joy. That’s a great reason, to have a season of Joy. And that’s why I want to say, “Merry Christmas to all!”
“WE ARE MEN OF ACTION…”
So, Dad… I want to challenge you! Read the words of “O Holy Night” to your children today, and talk about what those words meant when they were written, and what they mean for your lives right now! …don’t worry, I have them here for you:
O Holy Night
by Adolphe-Charles Adam, translated by John Sullivan Dwight
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, o night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
Over the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!