So, it’s Christmas Eve, again. Just like every other year.
Same old family dramas – whose place, who brings what food, who gives what presents, who didn’t give presents. Same old commercial temptation to overspend, pretending that we’re getting a bargain – buying things that we don’t need with money we don’t have. “Forcing” us to spend money on treats and luxuries for ourselves, rather than on things that last, or sharing our wealth with those truly in need. Same old over-eating and drinking and gluttony, excused by calling it a treat. Same lonely time remembering those that aren’t with us this year, or thinking about those we wish could be here. Pining over those who have deliberately broken contact with us, wishing we could turn back time and take back the harsh words…
This Christmas, how about peace in my family?
It’s not just our families that have trouble; it’s the whole world. There are still wars, and anger, and resentment and demands for payback. Even here in Australia, we’ve had terrorism and killings. You know, with all our modern advances, and technological smarts, you’d think we’d know better!
This Christmas, how about peace in our country?
Surely, the government should fix it. That’s why we elected them isn’t it? And we pay them, so they should give us what we want. They should spend lots of money to give us services for free but not increase taxes. They should be able to fix all the problems yet not take away any of my personal freedoms to do what I want.
This Christmas, why doesn’t God just step in and fix the mess? Why can’t we finally have wise counsel, justice, and good government? Why can’t we just have the Peace on Earth that Christmas cards proclaim?
This Christmas, how about peace on earth?
The real reason for Christmas
Actually, that IS exactly why we have Christmas:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
Isaiah 9:6-7
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness 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.
At the first Christmas, Jesus, true God, became a human being. The creator of the universe became part of His creation, in order to save a creation that had turned its back on Him.
We humans despised the truth from God to do our own thing and go our own way. And we continue to do so. We decided that we could be our own gods. We could do a much better job of making our own rules and ruling our own self-made kingdoms. We decided we’d be much better off ignoring our creator and believing that we made ourselves. If we say we’re just random cosmic accidents, then we are answerable to no one. The relationship between God and humankind has been broken.
Most of the time, we think we’re happy with that. We can fill our yearnings with work, shopping, sport, entertainment, commercialism and busy-ness. But, when we ask the big questions of life, and at times like Christmas, we yearn for truth, justice and peace.
That’s why we have Christmas
God the Logos, the Creative Word, (Jesus) left the glory and worship of angels to become a human, in order to save humanity.
Jesus came to pay the price for our sin – death. He took our rightful consequences, so that we didn’t have to. Jesus chose to suffer, so God’s justice is satisfied.
This Christmas, how about peace?
Do you want peace in your life? Do you want security and confidence for the new year and beyond? Do you want eternal life with God, rather than eternal separation from God? Then this child, and this child alone, will deliver!
Is Jesus Santa Claus in the sky?
Yes, I want peace! Jesus came to bring peace between God and us. BUT, Jesus is not Santa Claus in the sky. God’s peace is not us having our will done in all circumstances. It’s not giving me whatever I want, whenever I want. It’s not being able to shut my ears to my demanding spouse, or my fighting children, or my whining friends. “All I want is some peace,” doesn’t absolve me from my responsibility to others. In fact, that can become my idol – just a bit of peace.
God’s peace in my life doesn’t make sense. It means that I am reassured of His unfailing love and care, no matter what.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NLT)
Even though my life may be falling apart, God promises that He will never leave me.
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b
So, as you’re singing Christmas carols, or feasting, or playing at the beach, or listening to the media, or languishing in all the never-ending problems of life, don’t be tempted to think that it’s just another Christmas, like so many you’ve experienced before. Your Creator enters His creation to be your Saviour, so you can be born anew to a new and eternal creation. That’s not old news. It’s good news, this Christmas, and each and every day!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16