Luke 2:15 - 18
15 "When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds." (NASB)
Christmas for many is the best time time of the year. The atmosphere of the season brings a flood of memories. There is a sense of awe and anticipation in the air from kids of all ages. The lights, the decorations, and the music only add to this festive season. For those who still believe there is no long-term emotional scaring, still proclaim to their young ones the hope that Santa will visit making wishes come true.
For followers of Jesus Christ there is this tension, a balancing act maybe, between remembering the holiness of this time of year and participation in the cultural expression of the season. How do we worship the birth of our Savior and all of the significance of that moment in history and at the same time truly enjoy the fellowship of family, friends, and of course, the exchanging of gifts.
Maybe we would do well to remember that at the heart of the Christmas story is still found the heart of the Father who desires that all the nations hear of this good news! We see another image of the bride of Christ, His church. In the Christmas story we find woven so carefully the purpose and function of the church.
WORSHIP
Matthew 2:10 -- "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him." NASB
The well known quote by John Piper brings into focus the true meaning of Christmas. "Missions exists because worship doesn't." Christmas is a season that should bring us to our knees in awe and worship of our King. Before we offer our gifts, we must first give Him our hearts. By definition, worship is the expression of reverence and adoration. This worship is a moment of pause to contemplate the fact God came to dwell among us.
MINISTRY
Luke 17 - 19 -- "17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." NASB
Matthew 2:11b -- "Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." NASB
Ministry is about bringing encouragement to others. Giving to God and giving to others in an act of ministry is also an act of worship. Mary and Joseph received tangible and emotional support during what was certainly a stressful time for them. Through the words of the shepherds and the generosity of the Magi, the wonder of the moment was demonstrated. Simple acts of kindness changed the lives of both the receivers and the givers.
EVANGELISM
Luke 2:10 - 11 -- 10 "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." NASB
The Christmas story as revealed in the birth of Christ is about proclamation. It was an exclamation point in the Father's revelation of who He is to man. This good news was indeed a message to be proclaimed. It did not take long for word to spread far and wide. Prophecy has been fulfilled. A Savior has been born. This message is not debating whether or not to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" but rather to proclaim, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." John 3:16 The Message
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship is sharing; sharing of time, presence, and possessions. From all of the passages quoted an association of diverse individuals centered around the worship of this King. Biblical fellowship differs from a gathering of family or friends because the focus is first on Christ and then upon others. The fellowship found that starry night long ago cannot be described as a Christmas party but rather a celebration. Gifts were not given to each other but only to the One whose life had begun a new community, a new understanding of fellowship.
DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship is facing the challenges of leading disciples of Christ to a life of obedience to Christ. Joseph was obedient to what was given to him through an angel. The Magi was "warned by God in a dream" concerning how they were to depart this holy of visits. Our western mindset tendency is to package discipleship, molding it into a pedagogical process of increasing knowledge hoping this knowledge will change who we are and what we do. Being a disciple of Christ is to follow Christ in obedience. In the life of Christ we see that discipleship can take place over time or it can take place in a moment. What better time of year to be known as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Some may see all of this as more isegesis than exegesis and this may be true. And maybe this understanding of the Christmas story was intended just for me. May you too hear a fresh Word from the Father as we celebrate and remember this wonderful time of year.