’Tis the Season
As I look out the
window I am surrounded by a forest of icicles. Clear crystal spires hang like
ornaments from the eaves and endear the house with a magical aura. Even the
grey clouds and quiet hour bring a sublime tranquility to this beautiful
season. But soon the calm serenity will be overcome by a wealth of laughter and
sounds of joy as families and friends join together to celebrate the birth of the
King.
There is nothing
like Christmas. Lights and tinsel, songs and parties, friendships abound and
good will is offered to all who know the delights of the season. Despite the
sense of busyness, there is a wonderful peace that fills the atmosphere. Yet,
in this season, with all the trappings and festivities that fill our time, the
actual meaning of Christmas might get lost. So, in these brief moments, I hope
to take you back to Bethlehem and invite you to join with shepherds and wise
men and seek the One who was born to be the Savior.
The clear night
air shimmered with stars as shepherds maintained vigilance over the flocks in their
care. A crisp breeze gently wafted across the hills surrounding the village of
Bethlehem and no one imagined what was coming next…
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And
the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great
joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city
of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you
will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God
and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with
whom he is pleased!”
~ Luke 2:9-14 (ESV)
This message came
not by some secretive, covert messenger. This was no subtle whisper on a darkened
night. No, with the glory of heaven as their background, the entirety of the
heavenly host burst upon the scene and pronounced with boldness the birth of
the Lord Jesus Christ!
So what are the
shepherds to do? What would you do? With resolute purpose the shepherds set out
for the city of Bethlehem and found it to be exactly as spoken by the angel. This
longing from the shepherds is echoed in the heart of all who have believed the
message concerning Jesus. The passion and desire to be in the presence of the
One about whom angels testify is felt no greater than at this time of year when
we celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Perhaps your sense
of God’s presence is dimmed. Perhaps the true nature of why we celebrate this
festival has waned in the onslaught of the commercial rush. There is no better
time than now and there is no better way to renew your faith than to be as the
shepherds and determine with unwavering passion to seek for the One who was
born to be King.
What an honor and
privilege to know the true meaning of Christmas. What grace! What love! He who
is holy sent His only begotten Son into this fallen, sinful world to be the
hope for all mankind. The great gift of Christmas is Jesus; and the greatest
gift you can give to anyone is the love that has been given to you—the love of
God in Christ.
Let us take time
to remember the Lord Jesus Christ for whose sake we truly celebrate. As the
wise men from the east, let us worship HIM who is born King. Like the shepherds
of Israel, let us proclaim HIM to everyone. May the lights of the season remind
you of the Light of the world; may the presents under the tree remind you of
the Person given for you; and may the festivities of the day remind you of the
festival that awaits all who are found in Christ. I pray that this season of
Christmas bring you peace through our Lord Jesus.
Faithfully Yours,
Michael Duncan
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