The Message Does Not Change

Reposted from Christian Vision for Men

We all know that Christmas is going to be different for 2020, this has been a massive challenge for everyone this year.

But the Christmas message will not change, and those of us who follow Jesus, will still celebrate and remember that the greatest gift to mankind will be glorified this Christmas.

As I’ve gotten older, I feel like some of the wonder has been sapped from Christmas - much the same as I felt back then.

I’m wiser, more jaded, I guess, and honestly, I’ve seen a lot of Christmases come and go that never quite reached my heart.

As an adult, Christmas isn’t filled with magic anymore. It’s full of busyness, of things I should be doing, traditions I want to start but haven’t found time to work on. There are disappointments, expectations, sometimes even family conflict.

I’ve lived enough of them to know what Christmas has in store for me. I know what I’ll be unwrapping under that tree, and it’s not always all that merry or bright.

So this year I am more determined than ever to bring back the Christmas spirit to our household and to those around us too.

In fact our house already as the outside lights up, something I would never have entertained before, but seeing the house light up the cold, dark winter nights reminds me of the night Jesus came into this world to be our eternal light that no darkness can put out.

Perhaps the original Christmas was marked more with agony and grief than with the glitz and glamour of the shopping malls and parades. From His birth in the manger as a homeless baby, until his brutal execution on the Roman cross, Jesus reminds us that God is with us.

That’s what Emmanuel means, “God with us.”

God is with us in the struggle to survive, amid the throes of poverty, in the fight for freedom, in a world full of violence. Jesus’ coming to earth is all about a God who leaves the comfort of heaven, to join the struggle here on earth. God is with us.

Jesus is the “true light” (Jn 1:9), the “Light of the World” (Jn 8:12; 9:5; 12:46), and he was born during the night watch (Lk 2:8), at midnight, when it was pitch black outside, the time when the darkness was the deepest and most intense.

On that first Christmas night, the light shined in the darkness (Jn 1:5a), the glory of the Lord shone (Lk 2:9), the darkness has not overcome it (Jn 1:5b), and it enlightens everyone (Jn 1:9).

So for us as believers in Christ, this Christmas will be the perfect opportunity to bring some light and joy into our families, friends, neighborhoods.

Yes, these are dark times, so let your light shine so that others will see that you have a different Spirit, a Holy one that will attract the many who are stuck without hope.

Time to Self-Assess?

 When thinking about others, the best place to always begin is with a “gospel exam.” You can do this by answering a few self-assessment questions? Carefully think through these questions to see if any apply. It may benefit you to discuss them with a friend or a small group of like-minded disciplers.

• Are you frustrated with anyone?
• Are you impatient someone?
• Do you look down on others?
• Are you unsympathetic toward the struggler?
• Are you critical of people who can’t kick their habit?
• Do you feel superior toward certain ethnic groups?
• Are you condescending toward gay people?
• What about those on the other side of the political aisle?

I’m asking if there are sinners in your sphere of influence with whom you struggle in your heart? Perhaps I did not ask the right question. What if you supplied one that is more accurate? If you answered yes to any of these heart queries, you not only need a gospel checkup, but you need a gospel fix.

Looking at the Bright Side

 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

It is hard to keep a positive attitude in these stressful times. With all that we have had to give up, reschedule and do without, the negative looms large.

The Apostle Paul has a word for us. His letter to the church at Philippi is a letter filled with joy, even though the fledgling church is experiencing uncertain and anxious times. Paul begins this passage by exhorting the people to rejoice, reminding them who they are and whose they are.  Then he says, “Let everyone come to know your gentleness.” 

How often I need reminded these days to be gentle with those who are sharing bad news, negative attitudes, those who are experiencing fear and anxiety! While some folks’ concerns seem irrational and unrealistic, it is more helpful to listen to them than to challenge them.

Then comes the showstopper: “Be anxious for nothing,” says Paul.  Are you kidding me? These are unprecedented times! What is ahead for our community, our nation, our world?  Yet, someone has said, and I firmly believe it: worrying is simply unchristian! Worrying implies that God may not be able to handle the situation. We need to remember God has never left us nor forsaken us, and God has promised to be with us throughout our lives, in life after death, and forever. That is not only a cause for hope, but for great joy!

A  woman I once knew told me this passage, Philippians 4:4-9, was her favorite Scripture. I could see why. When she and her husband were in their late 80s,  I saw them on New Year’s Eve dancing well after midnight, while I was tired and ready to go home. What gave this woman her zest for living? She followed the Apostle Paul’s instructions. She not only read his words, she lived them. She disciplined her mind to focus on whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report.

Recently my friend bought a new stove. It quit working after less than one day! When the repairman came, days later, he discovered that the stove had been wired incorrectly. It  was fried and could have caused a major fire. Because of the Coronavirus delays, it will be weeks until the company can replace their stove. But he is resourceful. He remembered that he has a camping stove, a hot plate that he could put on top of his stove to use in the meantime, while restaurants are not open, and he was sheltered at home.

He was thankful he did not have a fire, and that he was safe. Paul would say, “if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” 

My friends, regardless of our circumstances, we always have reason to rejoice and give thanks, for as Paul reminds us, “the God of peace will be with you.” 

Dear God, we are tempted every day to dwell on the negative aspects of our lives. In challenging circumstances, help us to resist anxiety and worry, and place our faith and trust in you. Help us to dwell on our blessings, on the good things, and most of all, help us to focus on your love and presence with us. Calm us and fill us with joy and peace. Amen.