Saturday, December 28, 2013
Fourth Christmas Day
Malachi 3:18 Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
CHRISTMAS CONTRASTS: RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WICKEDNESS
Despite all the contrasts that we see during Christmas, there is no greater disparity in the world than the difference between righteousness and wickedness. And when we speak of this contrast, we understand it as the Lord revealed it through Malachi. Our status as either righteous or wicked is determined by God, not us. In our world we have various ways of describing whether someone is right or wrong according to our laws, or the morals of our society. But God judges all people according to His standard as recorded in His Word.
Seeing righteousness and wickedness according to God's Word gets directly to the heart of what Christmas is all about. Although Malachi is prophesying of our Lord's final return with these words, the task for our deliverance and salvation ultimately began in Bethlehem. It was because of the contrast between righteousness and wickedness that Jesus had to be born as one of us. If that division did not exist on earth than there would have been no need for Christmas.
Dear Christians, this thought is not meant to make us feel depressed or upset about the true meaning of Christmas. Rather, it is meant to instill a deep sense of appreciation for the true reason that God's Son was born for us. Therefore, by faith in Jesus, we see past the presents, the food, the decorations, the music, and all the scenery of Christmas; and we look directly to the cross. Jesus came to fulfill His Father's will, once again to sharpen the distinction between righteousness and wickedness. He accomplished this through His righteous sacrifice for the wickedness of our sins. We are living today in the blessings of His grace. Let us deeply appreciate this wondrous gift and return an even deeper respect and devotion to our Lord and Savior.
