It’s that time of year again, when Main Street’s angels and bells are lit up and holiday music fills the car. Every weekend is filled with another party or gathering where tables are overflowing with tasty treats. Christmas is here!
But what happens when the rhythm of Christmas becomes a burden instead of a delight? When the only wonder left is on the littlest faces? What if it becomes celebration for celebration’s sake?
I personally find it helpful to go back to the why and who of Christmas. Why do we celebrate Christmas and who is it actually about?
The very first Christmas did not take place in a decorated palace with a table full of the finest food where only the most honoured guests were invited. No, it was a quiet affair, between a man and wife welcoming a little one into the world.
But this was no ordinary babe, but God in the flesh. Jesus Christ came into this world naked, weighing between five to ten pounds, just like the rest of us. In the kingdom of God, things are often the opposite of what the world expects.
Jesus came in the most unexpected way, as a baby born of a virgin. He was fully dependent on his parents to take care of him, and I believe Jesus did this so he could be the ultimate example. He came unexpectedly to show us where real strength lies. Just as he was fully dependent on humanity, now we can be fully dependant on him for everything.
So how does all this apply to us here in southeastern Manitoba and our Christmas holidays and traditions?
Many history books will tell you that Jesus was born into this world more than 2,000 years ago. While we live in North America, in a completely different time in history, it can feel like there is no connection.
What if I were to tell you that the event we celebrate is actually very personal? While we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and give each other gifts, he is truly the ultimate gift: unconditional love come down in the form of flesh and blood to show us great compassion and reconnect humanity with the divine.
A journey through the life and times of Jesus in Bible shows that although he was God on earth, he was also fully human. He felt what we feel. His life included joy and wonder, as well as great sorrow and rejection.
Whatever life throws your way, Jesus is not some distant God pointing a finger at you. Rather, he’s a loving God who understands your emotion and stands right in the muck and mire with you. He came to our planet so you and I could know him—know his compassion, dive deep into His great love that knows no bounds, and live a life with purpose.
Christmas wasn’t intended to be a random holiday that drains our bank accounts. This was a purpose-filled time in history to lift our spirits and give us a meaningful life, lived with the Saviour of the world who is alive today.
Merry Christmas to you and yours as you reflect on the meaning of the season!
