Something cliche that really shouldn't be...

My friend Sean has been posting devotions and songs leading up to Christmas, trying to remind us all of what Christmas means. He posted the song "O Come O Come Emanuel" by Rosie Thomas. Excellent sound, and it reminded me of something.

During this time of year, Christmas cards and decorations are so abundantly overflowing that we almost become desensitized to them. It's worse at Christian stores, because we look over tons and tons of "Remember the Reason for the Season" cards and decorations. Everyone seems intent on reminding us that Jesus is why Christmas is around, and Santa Claus is just a side show, that it tends to grate on my nerves a little. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with the sentiment. I just get tired of hearing it over and over again.

But then I heard this song, and it reminded me of something. Christmas isn't a birthday party (although "Happy Birthday Jesus" is a cute song). Jesus didn't come here to get wise men birthday presents and be cute and cuddly. He came here to die, that we might live. He came here to "ransom captive Israel." He's not a cute little baby that needs a birthday party. He's a hero coming to save his beloved, a warrior coming to conquer death...

A Savior coming to redeem His people....

When Isaiah pictured Christ, he didn't see a baby in a manger. He saw a warrior. Read his description:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."--Isaiah 9:6-7


So, I join in with my brothers and sisters in Christ who urge us all to "remember the reason for the season." God lowered himself to that of a man, that he might walk among us and save us from ourselves. He is the fulfillment of a promise to a desperate people yearning for freedom from bondage. He is the reason we have reason to celebrate. When you see the nativity scene, remember that the story of the Christ did not end in a manger. It only started there. And praise be to God, it didn't end at a cross either.

Feel free to comment or ask questions. I'm always here.

Keep Soaring,

B