Christmas is that time
of year that can be an opportunity for a blessing or it can be an opportunity
for pain. The choice is up to us. Let me take a run at this in reverse order.
This time of ear can
be filled with a great deal of pain if we focus on the shadows of the season.
Have you ever tried to hug a shadow? Have you ever had a meaningful
conversation with a shadow? If you have, well that’s a problem for another day.
Shadows will leave us feeling empty and disappointed. Shadows show us that
something of substance is present, but it is foolish to be satisfied with the
shadow when we know the substance casting the shadow is much better. The
shadows of Christmas are the decorations, the movies, the presents under the
tree, the parties, the shopping, the traditions, etc. All of these are good and they are things that create an
atmosphere of fun. We should be involved with these things, but we should be
enjoying them knowing that they fall short of the real thing.
“Therefore
let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard
to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to
come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Colossians
2:16-17 ESV)
The substance of
Christmas, and of everything, is Jesus. He is the reality of everything we
experience during Christmas. Jesus is the opportunity for blessing and genuine
joy during Christmas. Behind every song, decoration, sermon, poem, party,
parade, and present stands the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus Christ. Since
He is the focus then He should be the centerpiece of all that we do. He truly
is worthy of all the attention, and He deserves it all year long.
So let’s treat
Christmas as a trigger to remind us about how amazing God is to show up and
rescue us.
Merry Christmas,
Scott
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