The Biblical message of Christmas is the wondrous truth of the Son of God becoming man to save sinners from the guilt and misery of their sin.
It is about the profound mystery of the Incarnation – the Word becoming flesh, dwelling among us, as one of us, fitting Him to be our sympathizing Savior and interceding High Priest.
It is about the fulfillment of promises and prophecies and about the inauguration of a new covenant, with the covenant gifts of forgiveness of sin and the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit.
It is about the drawing near of the reign of God in the person of the Messiah whom God had promised to send.
It is about the glory of God in the way that he brings peace – shalom (the way things are supposed to be) – to earth.
It is about the momentous decision that his coming presents to every human being – will they receive or reject Him? Will they repent and believe the Good News?
And the Good News is that a Savior from sin has come – and this One who is Savior/Redeemer is also Messiah, King and Lord. Those who refuse Him will bring final judgment and everlasting ruin upon themselves. Those who receive Him are actually made the children of God!
The Biblical stories surrounding the birth of Christ also give us compelling examples (in the responses of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Simeon etc.) of what it means to trust and obey God, and to submit to his will even when that submission is very difficult. And these examples teach us about what it means to care more about the interests of the kingdom of God than our own individual concerns.
These are the themes that a faithful church will proclaim in music and message at Christmas time.
They will seek to tell this Story faithfully, and not distort it. Nor will they corrupt it by adding in confusing, adulterating elements that (even allowing for the appropriate use of imagination) obscure what the Biblical story and message really is.
"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Lk.2:10-11)
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspectives! It was encouraging to read what has been on your heart.
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