(After reflecting on a long drive tonight, I tied together some things I've been thinking about the last week or so….. )
Tonight, as most of the world knows, is Christmas Eve. It is not a holiday celebrated by all, nor acknowledge in all countries. It is not a uniform tradition even across families in the same neighborhood. Every individual ethnic group, people, family, or unit of some sort holds their own traditions and customs for the Christmas season, whether it means good food, big parties, elaborate decorations, wrapping, extravagant presents, or simply a nativity service attended and simple meal shared. However, the universal truth is that Christmas Eve represents the night Jesus Christ - the Almighty God, holy and righteous - was born on Earth - fully human.
John Piper's book "Spectacular Sins" repeatedly points readers to the reality that Christ experienced all things human during his time on Earth. He has experienced the pain, loss, brokenness, hurt, longing, desire, love, passion -- well, you get it, everything.
But why was it necessary for Jesus to come? Jesus - the Christ, Emmanuel, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, God with us, "Adonai", "Yahweh."
God's only Son
The answer lies in sin.
Our sin to be exact.
You see, we aren't anywhere near perfect - and I think 99% of us would willingly admit to that. We're flawed. But this is not a condition of creation. No, when God created Adam and Eve they were perfect and in constant communion with Christ. However, they, like all of us, strayed from God's will. Satan - the fallen arch angel - tempted them to disobey the Lord & *poof* just like that, sin entered the world.
But God knew all along that this would happen. He knew that Satan would rebel. He knew that Adam & Eve would disobey. Yet, He still created them & (seemingly) let it all happen.
Why?
Because all of it will ultimately display the splendor and majesty and glory of the One True God. All suffering, all sin, all hardship in the lives of Believers will exemplify the glory of God (regardless of them seeing that purpose while on Earth or not - sometimes suffering even means death). God promises though that the Christian who dies on Earth for His name will have no hair on their head misplaced in Heaven. (a.k.a. eternal life - no tears, no sorrow, constant communion with God)
WOW.
What does this mean for Christmas?
Well, it means that today we thank God for the gift He sent to Heaven in sacrifice for us.
It means we praise Jesus for His willingness to come to Earth and obey God to an extent no other human being (David, Solomon, Abraham, etc.) had before.
And this is the reason we celebrate - because Christ lived, died, and rose again we may live.
Hallelujah.
Jesus Christ has overcome sin. He is the Almighty God. He has power over all the Earth, and with a single breath can command storms to cease.
The precious baby that came more than 2000 years ago has saved me from the punishment I deserve.
Tonight, I encourage you to listen to this song (this version just happens to have one of my best friends singing) and remember that Christ has redeemed you, reconciled & forgiven your sin - past, present, and future. He loves you with an everlasting love. Glorify Him with every breath, for the things of this world are momentary, but the things of the Spirit are eternal.
blessed.
Merry Christmas
Oh, holy nightThe stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of our dear Savior's birthLong lay the world in sin and error piningTill He appeared and the soul felt His worthA thrill of hope the weary world rejoicesFor yonder breaks a new and glorious mornFall on your kneesOh, hear the Angel voicesOh, night divine, oh, nightWhen Christ was bornOh, night divine, oh, nightOh, night divineChains shall He break for the slave is our brotherAnd in His name all oppression shall ceaseSweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise weLet all within us praise His holy nameChrist is the Lord, let ever, ever praise TheeNoel, NoelOh, night, oh, night divineNoel, NoelOh, night, oh, night divineNoel, Noel
Oh, night, oh, night divine
