Hello Friends!
Merry Christmas!
Question: Have you
noticed that the world’s rendition of “Christmas” with such characters as Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
& Frosty the Snow Man often do
nothing but distract us from the real
Reason for this blessed season? In speaking with many of you over the
course of the past few weeks and months, the answer to that question is quite obvious…
Although it is not my intention here to make a proclamation of “Hum Bug!” in the shrewd fashion of ole’
Mr. Scrooge, I would like to share a reminder of some very important – and
often overlooked – historical facts pertaining to the birth of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
With that said, let’s take a brief look at what His “reasons for this season” truly are…
from a Biblical worldview – Enjoy!
The
Mystery and Marvel of Jesus Christ
Obviously the Bible does not refer to
“Santa Clause” or any of the trappings of today’s “commercial” Christmas
celebrations.
However, this very special season does
indeed remind the true Christian that
Jesus Christ's First Coming – His Incarnation
– was intended for a very specific purpose:
And she
will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His
people from their sins – Matthew
1:21
Therefore, the Scripture is very
clear: Jesus Christ came to earth for one expressed purpose: to “save His people from their sins” – we must not forget this primary focus of the Gospel!
And while it is highly doubtful that Jesus
Christ was born in December, the Incarnation is a foundational doctrine of
truth that is at the center of the
Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the only Begotten
God-man – fully God and fully man. In
theological terms He is Theanthropos – one Person with two natures. Also known as the Hypostatic
Union.
Another very important aspect to remember
is that when Jesus Christ became man, He was on a special assignment from the
Heavenly Father. His work? The “shedding of [His] blood” for the redemption of lost sinners:
And according
to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of
blood there is no remission – Hebrews
9:22
Also, by becoming man He could act as a
human priest. And because Jesus Christ is God,
His perfect “priesthood” is an “everlasting” one after the “order of Melchizedek”:
And it
is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises
another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment,
but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a
priest forever According to the order
of Melchizedek” – Hebrews 7:15-17
Also
there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore
He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them – Hebrews 7:23-25
Therefore, there is no need for any more priests
today! Why? Because the “many priests” were “were prevented by death from
continuing” but “He continues forever” and His is an “an
unchangeable priesthood.” And
only those “who come to God through Him” will be saved “to the
uttermost” and He “always
lives to make intercession for them“ – Halleluiah!
The Biblical message of the manger is that
God’s love through Jesus Christ alone is the power-filled love that breaks the shackles of “sin” and “death” promising “eternal life” in Him. We have a
“know-so” salvation, not a “hope-so” salvation. Why? Because the baby in the manger is both God and man – Thank You
Jesus!
In closing:
IMPORTANT: Santa
Clause is WRONGLY given all of the
attributes that alone belong to Jesus Christ – Omniscience, Omnipresence,
Omnipotence, Omni Benevolence and
Eternality. Therefore, the false
character of Santa Clause should offend us as Christians. Why? Because of who he is personified
to be throughout the secular worldviews, philosophies and ideas “wrapped up”
within the seductive “Christmas” holiday splendor.
So, with these thoughts in mind, here’s a
final question to ponder…
Are you offended or is your conscience
violated by this “commercial” approach to Christmas – Theologically and
Doctrinally speaking? If so, that is fine. If not, that is fine too! In fact,
the Apostle Paul speaks directly to this very issue:
One
person esteems one day above
another; another esteems every day alike.
Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not
observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and
he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks – Romans
14:5-6
Either way – “Let
each be fully convinced in his own mind” as to avoid any
form of legalism in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. The point here is that
we must not violate our conscience...
Christmas is indeed a great day of
fellowship, joy, giving and as the Lord leads – the sharing of the Gospel with
a lost friend or loved one in need of a Savior. And we look to the events of that
special day – 2,000 years ago – in the Scriptures, allowing us to receive
the insight of God's Word into our hearts and minds to the glory of God – Praise
His Holy Name!
The
miraculous first coming of Jesus Christ sets the stage for His awesome second
coming! Therefore we can rest assured that He will keep His promise to return…
May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect
love, mercy and grace!
Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while
there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!
Blessings!
Shane <><
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