And in Case You Didn’t Hear

Christmas is coming.  This time of year, each day is filled with expectations and memories.  At every turn, we are reminded of the season.  Some of the images thrill us, some cause us to think, and still more sadden.  It’s a time of reflection amid the rush.  Where are you Christmas?  Sometimes, I find you and lose you simultaneously.

Christmas songs fill airwaves and auditoriums.  New mix with the old in the tapestry of Christmas.  Beautiful, really.  But, sometimes, there is so much clamor that it all seems like background noise- I hear something but nothing in particular. The loved story of the first Christmas is but a portion of the whole, but, truthfully, it is the whole.

Our hearts are warmed as we rehearse the birth of Jesus to a poor couple in a cave.  Well they should be.  That is the beginning of the story.  One day, the narrative will end and a new one begin, but the present age is simply another chapter in the former.  The story of Christmas is the story of redemption.  There is no rough cradle without the rugged cross.

The baby in the manger was the desire of nations and the very Son of God.  He is what everyone really wants and what everyone really needs.  Christmas may well be the best time to tell the world about the sacrifice of Christ as the symbols become more visible and seeming viable.  The season is not merely heart-warming- it is life-changing.

While the tale is not yet told, we have great opportunity to be involved in God’s magnificent plan of redemption.  None of us occupy more than a page or two in the saga, but we can make the verses given to our names memorable.  The best of heaven suffered the worst on earth to give us more than we could otherwise attain.

Christmas signifies salvation made available to all people.  Everyone understands a baby.  Many more than we imagine will understand the message of salvation if you and I are consistent witnesses.  Failing to understand the call to the ministry of reconciliation is failing to understand the true message of Christ’s birth.

Have you heard God’s clarion call to man in the beauty of the season?  It is there for those who are listening.  Every sinner is called to salvation, and every saint is called to service.  You are valuable in God’s eyes and can be useful in His cause.  It’s the best time of the year.  I hope this Christmas brings you the gifts and the grace you need.

Sterl

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