So much of our Christmas traditions are designed for the northern hemisphere. Like Christmas lights that we have to keep the kids up way past their bedtime in order to actually see. Or Santa working out alternative entry points for the lack of chimney and wearing a big furry coat in the middle of summer (good thing most malls have air-conditioning). We’re forced to live with or translate these northern hemisphere traditions into our own culture.
The good thing about this process is it forces you to consider what’s really essential and what are just cultural trimmings.
You won’t be surprised to hear me say that Jesus, the Christ, is at the heart of Christmas. And it’s pretty hard to argue when it’s both a celebration of his birth, and it has his name in it. He’s come to bring peace to a messy world – peace with God by forgiveness of sins and then peace and restoration to the world which he’ll bring about on the last day. All across the world, Jesus offer of forgiveness and peace bursts out across cultures to everyone (even ones that don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas). Have you put your trust in Jesus, have you received his forgiveness and peace?
And then do your Christmas trimmings help you celebrate this peace and this Saviour Jesus, or are they just a messy distraction from it. Christmas trimmings are a great chance to celebrate Jesus and have fun. But don’t miss the heart of Christmas – don’t miss Jesus!
Tag: Jesus Christ
We’re all ‘feeling very Olympic today’ to quote that fantastic movie, Cool Runnings. Did you know that the five interlaced Olympic rings represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games? The Games strive to create peace and harmony in our world through sport. The games are a great spectacle and do a lot of good – but like every human activity they are riddled with corruption and sin (just ask the Russians).
The only thing that can bring true peace is actually a person – Jesus Christ. What humanity needs isn’t a common cause, or a common stage, but somehow to deal with our common problem of sin. Jesus lived the perfect life and died on the cross to bear our sin in our place. Then he rose from the grave, conquering death and securing peace with God, hope and eternal resurrection life to all who trust in him.
So let’s enjoy the Olympics this month, but let’s enjoy peace with God and life in Jesus Christ for eternity!
Yours in Christ,
Ben
