For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
As we approach Christmas and all the celebratory trimmings that we attach to this pivotal day in history, I often sense the great need to focus on the real rather than the fictitious. Lets face it, Christmas is a wonderful time in the Christian calendar but sadly it has been hijacked by commercialism and the church to a large extent has been seduced by the world’s ritzy, glamorous portrayal of what Christmas is all about.
Let me share with you a take on Christmas that I one read. It’s a true side of Christmas that is not often heard or told. It went something like this. ‘Those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb, were made so that nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross. That sweet infant’s head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns onto it. The tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one day be ripped open by a spear.’
Wow! You might be thinking I am trying to put a damper on the spirit of Christmas. Far from it - I just want on focus on what that Christmas morn developed into and resulted in. In other words, Christmas is all about Jesus - who was born to die! And that is exactly what God intended and planned from eternity past in order to redeem His people.
Jesus’ death, though devised and carried out by men with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil anyone has ever accomplished.
May this Christmas be our celebration of the birth of God’s Christ in Bethlehem, who was sent for the ultimate purpose of becoming our crucified, resurrected, victorious and glorified Saviour. Glory to God in the highest.