Wednesday, December 25, 2013
First Christmas Day
Luke 2:10-11 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
CHRISTMAS CONTRASTS: FEAR AND HOPE
How strange it is to think of fear being present on Christmas Day! Of course, the shepherds that night were afraid at the presence of angels, not of the babe born in Bethlehem. Yet, today, think of how many people really are "afraid" of Jesus. Fear is not always about something scary, it can also be about something that makes you feel out of place or uncomfortable. Take King Herod, for example. He was afraid of what baby Jesus meant for his kingdom. Herod was uncomfortable with the thought of losing his power, even though that's not why Jesus came. Through simple ignorance, Herod was afraid of Jesus and rejected Him.
How many more will fall into the same trap of being afraid of the Christ-child and what He represents? How many more believe that it's taboo to speak about nativity scenes, mangers, or even Christ Himself today? How many will fear and reject their Savior out of simple ignorance? Truth be told, fears of all kinds are present on Christmas Day, and they have been since Jesus was born. Doesn't your sinful flesh feel out of place and uncomfortable at the message that God had to come to earth to save you? Wouldn't you much rather do it yourself? Isn't it easy to tremble over what God expects of you, especially since it's impossible to accomplish on your own?
But, what hope you have in the gospel tidings of the angels! You are not left in fear, for the child born this day is your Savior. He came to earth for you, even though you suffer from fears, insecurities, and shame of sin. He chose to become like you, to step into your place and offer you living hope in the love that He has for you. See the complete work of your Lord and Savior, see Him from cradle to cross, and you will see hope, not fear. But take time also to share that hope with others; others who may be afraid of Jesus too, others who may have no hope this Christmas Day.
