Thursday, December 10, 2015
Matthew 26:63-64 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
AS JUDGE, ON CLOUDS OF LIGHT
Do you say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"? It seems every year there is a debate which is more "politically correct." I don't have a problem hearing either. But is there any reason to be concerned? What does "spiritually correct" look like in God’s eyes when it comes to what I say or do as a Christian?
We might consider Jesus' example before Caiaphas the high priest. Had Jesus answered in a "politically correct" way He would have had to deny Himself. Rather, He speaks the truth not only about who He is but what He came to do as "the Christ" -- He is God's Anointed One and only Son to pay for the sins of the world, including yours and mine! Jesus knows our hearts and doesn't want us to be ashamed of Him (Romans 1:16-17). He reminds His disciples, "Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).
Jesus the Christ, our Savior, prepares us not just for the coming joyful celebration of His birthday, but for His coming to take us to our eternal home! Until then, no matter how we greet people, let's pray that we use His name to help prepare others in every opportunity He gives us!
As Judge, on clouds of light, He soon will come again
And His true members all unite With Him in heaven to reign.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 68:4; Charles Coffin, 1736)
