By Bob Beanblossom
12 December 2016
It seems to me that, as we quickly approach Christmas, we would do well to stop, take a breath, and think about what Christmas is all about.
The last few months of electioneering–and continuing through today–have been strongly contentious. Everyone knows best and all others are a variety of epithets that are anything but considerate.
With the We-They thing in full force, we might ask, “Who did Jesus come and die for?” Some might emphatically answer, “Not for them!”
Do you remember what the angel said to the shepherds on the night He was born?
Most of us can quote the first part: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy . . .” We sure could use some joy today, couldn’t we? Did you know that the joy is still where the angel said it was to be found–exclusively and certainly in Jesus Christ.
Back to our subject. The angel didn’t seem to be a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. He was “just” the messenger of the most high God.
He finished like this: ” . . . which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10). Not just the folks who agree with you, who go to your church, who speak your language, and all the other We-They distinctions we can come up with.
Which takes us directly to the Great Commission. Jesus commanded us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations . . .” (Matthew 28:19a). Elsewhere, He tells us to start at home and work our way out to the rest of the world.
“All people.” “All nations.” “Go ye.” Sounds like this might be a bit more important than politics, the next big game (there’s always a next big game), or anything else that ties us up in knots. Stuff that gets us so upset that we compromise our witness.
If Jesus could suffer the cross and keep His witness, and fulfill his earthly mission, without sidetracks and compromises (and He did), shouldn’t we consider Him our example and try to follow His lead?
It isn’t easy. in fact, we can’t do it on our own. But, remember what He promised: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20b). We will succeed with His help, and still fail sometimes as we loosen our grip on Him occasionally. He has made provisions for that, too. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit is always a part of us, even when we ignore Him. Prayer is the link that only we can break.
This Christmas, try getting alone with your Bible and God for a little R & R. I suspect you will find it time well spent. It might even get to be a habit.