It has
reached an astonishing level - this avoidance of Jesus the Christ in lives of
men. In this period of remembering His birth many welcome celebrations but
refuse to recognise the celebrant. Perhaps it started with “season’s greetings”
and continued with “happy holidays”. Now the Christmas tree has been dubbed the
holiday tree! A documentary on another religion is well advertised and aired
repeatedly in international media, whilst a paid advert on the Lord’s prayer is
rejected on the grounds it might offend those of other faiths and those who
have no faith at all. What is it that makes men so uneasy about the mention of
the name “Jesus Christ”? Well I suppose it should not be too surprising. The LORD told Samuel, " In fact, it's not you
they have rejected, but rather they have rejected me from being their king…” 1Sam 8:7(ISV). It should be
no surprise at all. Jesus Himself in the parable of the talents makes it clear
His rule is unwelcome by the citizens of this world. But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a
delegation to follow him and to announce, 'We don't want this man to rule over
us!’ Lk 19:14(ISV).
What comes as
a surprise then is when we who claim Christianity swallow it and promote Santa
Claus over Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born in a manger to save us from sin. Why
do people teach Christmas season is one for giving, but refuse God’s own
Christmas gift to us? The angel told them, "Stop being afraid! Listen!
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. Today your Savior,
the Lord Messiah, was born in the city of David Lk 2:10-11(ISV). No it is not about sensitivity to people and
their belief system for Jesus’ birth is a historical fact incontrovertible. And
what if December 25 was not actually the day Jesus Christ of Nazareth was born
into the world? It makes no difference. Many a reunion has been held outside
the calendar date of the last parting; so many anniversaries are marked on
dates different from the original event. No one celebrates such making
apologies or without clearly stating the reason. The events of these days to me
are mere attempts to have a Christ less Christmas.
This
rejection of Jesus at Christmas is actually as old as the event: she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him
in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for
them in the inn
Lk 2:7(CEV). Who
told you there was no vacancy at all? The scripture says “for them”. No room
for them. But just as He would not force
Himself upon that inn to be born and suffered being born in a manger, so today
Jesus won’t force Himself into your life; just in case you feel too busy to be
bothered by all this. He was in the
world, and the world was made through him. Yet the world did not recognize him.
He came to his own creation, yet his own people did not receive him. However,
to all who received him, those believing in his name, he gave authority to
become God's children
Jn1:10-12(ISV). He is God’s
personal Christmas gift to you. What are you doing with Him? Rejection brings
peril
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