'Seriously, you are making me wear this?'
We seem to like to disguise or mask things. From a child we like to play dress up, as adults costume parties. Even make-up is a form of disguise. There is even underwear to disguise how fat we are, sorry - give us a better shape!
Christmas is no exception. Somehow out of political correctness the true meaning of Christmas is either completely taken out, or dumbed down so much to be unrecognisable.
If you ask someone what Christmas is about, sometimes it is vague phrases like “giving” or “peace on earth”. If you push them more, usually the response is “it’s better to give than receive” meaning it’s a time to not be selfish and give back.
It’s a very good sentiment but not just to be limited for this time of year.
‘Peace on earth’ - people usually mean that they wish to see it now – wars cease and everyone get along. That too is a nice thought to have. But those sentiments isn't the real meaning of Christmas.
The ‘giving’ is about God’s greatest gift to us – our saviour, our redeemer Jesus. The baby in the cradle grew up and died for us in our place, so we can be with God for ever. When the wise men came to worship Jesus they brought gifts, the gifts we give each other on Christmas symbolises this.
“Peace on earth” comes from Luke 2:14.
Most people remember “Peace on earth goodwill towards all men” but when you look at the verse fully it then says “..whom His favour rests” or ...”with whom God is pleased”.
God did bring peace to the world through Jesus - "Prince of peace" but it was the peace that comes from knowing God as your personal saviour and being sure of spending eternity with Him. When we trust in Him, God gives us “peace that passes all understanding.” Anyone on earth can have this peace but not everyone will accept Jesus as saviour and lord, only a relatively few will.
Just like the disciples who thought Jesus was going to bring political change in their lifetime, some hope the same will happen today - hoping that is what ‘peace on earth’ means. Heaven is much better than that utopian dream. We will live there if we are believers, either when we die or when Jesus comes back again - whichever comes first.
There are and will be great deals and sales going on, people queuing for hours to get that must have item. But remember the greatest gift of all is free to you but you have to accept it.
Don’t spend ages shopping for the ‘perfect gift’ for them, when the gift they really need is to hear about Jesus.
Do you or someone you know need to hear of the greatest deal and gift of all time?
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