Symbols
of the Season
There’s something different
about Christmas! Always has been. The symbols,
smells, and songs cry out the joyful
reminder that hope is here.
The first Christmas day must
have been a sight to behold. As the faithful shepherds sat passing the
time away, all heaven broke loose. Luke
penned the exciting event so eloquently in chapter 2 verses 10 & 11: “But
the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
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.” (NIV)
If the Bethlehem Times was in
circulation, they would have scrambled to get such an
earth-shaking headline. Can you imagine the front page: GOD ARRIVES IN BABY SIZED BODY or CREATOR OF
THE UNIVERSE WAS BORN IN A BARN? But
rather than using CNN, the Internet, AT&T, a Prime-Time Network, or a major
newspaper, God handed the greatest news ever heard
to
a handful of humble human heralds. And
He’s still giving that same message to anyone humble enough to receive it
today.
As
we savor the sights and sounds of Christmas this year, let the symbols that
surround us help us recall the hope that Christ brings:
THE CHRISTMAS TREE: The beauty and
fragrance of the Christmas tree are a lasting tradition that ushers in this unique time of year. Much is often made of the pagan roots that
accompany the tree yet hold no connection to the reason we celebrate. We are reminded of another kind of tree, one
that was used to construct a cross and its color which signifies eternal
life. The babe of Christmas would grow
in stature and give Himself for mankind.
Philippians 2:8 says, “And being
found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto
death-even death on a cross.”
THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The bright and
attractive glow of the Christmas lights can be seen on houses, trees and
decorations. Lights are always best displayed
where darkness is most prevalent. Such
was the case when the Roman government brought a yoke of enslavement and the
religious institutions bred lifelessness.
At that time, the divine light entered into a dark setting. John
12:46 says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes
in me should stay in darkness.”
THE CHRISTMAS GIFTS: The thrill and
anticipation of giving and receiving gifts brings Christmas to a long-awaited
culmination. Whether a bike, doll,
dress, or tool, the gift is not the point as much as the spirit it is given. Ultimately, they remind us of the greatest
gift ever given. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of
God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
While we cherish the external
signs that encompass our senses during this wonderful
time of year, may we never lose
sight of the internal meanings that truly make a difference in our spiritual
lives. Christ has a way of making
Christmas special that way. Always has. Always will.
Savoring
Our Savior,
Terry
Risser
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014 Terry Risser
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