Well that was a colossal mistake! The first five minutes of mayhem, disasters, wars and sadness were enough for me. I quickly turned off the channel and went back to my merry mix of holly magic! Now I don't know if this time of year makes me more sensitive, but I was both saddened and dismayed by the news, more so than usual. We have a lot of problems in our world and country. They seem to be getting worse. That being said, I was taken aback by my reaction a bit. Does this season mean so much to me as a Christian that I have more sensitivity to the things that are going on around me than any other time of the year? Am I being desensitized the rest of the time? Heaven help me if that's the case. I am not being the representative of Christ that I often write about and proclaim and that bothers me.
You see it's relatively easy to give of oneself to the people we love and hold dear in our lives. And it should be. Everybody needs the gravy for their meat. But it's the meat that takes the most time to prepare. Setting aside all the doublespeak and parables for a moment, what about those that don't get a tray of cookies and a hug? What about those who are the lonely and downtrodden. Those that are suffering or in despair? They need joy and peace too. We are not in an exclusive club.
Two thousand plus years ago a bright star shone over Israel and led the shepherds to come and visit a lowly manger where the Gift was lying. God in all His infinite wisdom, sent the joy and peace we so often crave deep down but find so elusive sometimes. That first Christmas morning all despair and hopelessness, sadness and tragedy, hate and divisiveness were all put on notice. You see entrusted to a carpenter named Joseph and his meek and loving wife Mary , was and is, The Prince Of Peace, The Bright And Morning Star, Immanuel, and Mighty Counselor! As the angel said then, "Peace on earth and goodwill to all men!" Jesus still is the answer. He hasn't changed, just we have. But we don't have to. This evening when you begin to sit down with your families and friends for the Christmas Holiday , or attend church, take in the enormity and power that is Him. Listen to the Story. Soak in His promise and love. That warm fuzzy feeling is not from the eggnog but rather from the inevitable power instilled by His love that cannot be removed by any atheist campaign, societal ills or prejudicial remark. Light always conquers dark and if we just put more good in the world the evil will flee. So spend time with Him this year and get to know Him. Christmas may leave the calendar but won't leave you the rest of the year. May God keep you all and richly bless you this Holiest of seasons and into 2015!
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a
son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no
end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing
and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
