In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!
– Isaiah 25:9
Last night we went to a Carol service in the city here in Sydney. We caught the ferry over, and walked to St Andrews for an excellent carol night. It was made better because in the middle, the Canon spoke briefly but powerfully of the centrality of Jesus in Christmas. Nobody was left uncertain of the true meaning of Christmas – that Christ demands a response from each of us.
As we walked back through the City, I was thinking about the “other stuff” in the Christmas story. The lights, the tree, presents, feasting. What did I think of it all, was it right? What do you think, or more importantly, what does he think?
One point that struck me on the walk back, was the city’s emptiness except for those from foreign lands. People from other countries, whose religion and heritage is not Christian, are intrigued by our Christmas. It has more depth than any other religious festival, and I am amazed at how there seems a global peace that transcends the world around this time. They, like the wise men, come in wonder, some even asking, “where is this Saviour?”
The danger comes, of course, when Christ is marginalised or even taken out. Celebration is a good thing, a Biblical theme even, but one that is appropriate when centred around God. As long as Christ is the head, then gifts, reuniting of family, feasting and lights are all appropriate. Once he is removed, as is surely happening, the festivities become hollow, meaningless.
Too often though, he is removed from church as well; in our desire to be seen not to confront, we push Jesus aside, out of the picture. Our job though, is to make sure he stays in his proper place – King of the Universe, for all to see. Let me leave you with Solly Ozrovech’s words at this time of year as a reminder to who this Jesus really is, and what God actually did when he pierced the darkness of this world with his own Son.
“One of Satan’s most refined acts of sabotage is to transform Christmas from an event of earth-shattering importance into a pretty fairytale of shepherds, wise men, stars, Angels, sentimental songs,a stable, a manger, a little drummer boy, and a cute baby. The indescribable suffering of Christ’s incarnation is pushed neatly aside. Satan tries to rob the King of his power by trivialising his birth and presenting us with an empty box in exciting gift wrap. It is so easy to fall into his trap and ignore the real meaning behind Christmas, the incarnation of God’s son to save mankind from sin and death. At the time of his crucifixion,Jesus was asked by Pontius Pilate “Are you the king?” His answer still resonates with us today: “Yes, I am the King!”
This season, let us take care to look at the real gift, the treasure that is inside the packaging, this Jesus – the Lord’s King of all creation. One who will surely return to establish his kingdom here on earth. The only one in whom Salvation is found.
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