Christmas is not about what we do, but what God has done, says Pastor David Jeremiah of Shadow Mountain Church.
We may celebrate Christmas, yet disregard the celebrant, he lovingly reminded us. Could you see yourself in some of the characters he mentions?
The first group---those who could have rejoiced about the Messiah's coming yet missed it.
Herod---whom the wise men asked about the King of the Jews---instead raged with jealousy, and ordered the murder of Bethlehem infants two years old and under.
Scripture experts, the religious, of that time who knew that the Christ was going to be born in Bethlehem never bothered to check and worship the new-born King.
The inn-keeper---particularly busy, excited about his cash-register's ca-ching as guests filled his rooms while they arrived for the population census---failed to recognize the promised Immanuel.
"God with us" born right under his nose in his very own stable! The very One who could give him real riches!
"How could he have missed the explosion of light and the angels? asked Pastor Jeremiah.
Thousands must have flocked to the city that particular season, but only a handful got wind of that most significant event.
Our second group---the wise men; the shepherds; and Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus who treasured these things in her heart.
Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
A cause for wonder! A reason to worship. And proclaim.
The greatest event in history should make us pause and ponder and kneel in awe and talk about God's infinite mercy through Christ our Savior!
Most of us miss it though. We get excited instead with the trimmings---the parties, the tinsels and the gifts, and the blinking artificial lights.
Oh yes, the carols and kids all over, pay greater tribute to this jolly good fellow in a red suit.
It's good to party. Giving gifts? Why not. But if we're tied up with these outward manifestations and symbols and rituals more than Christ himself, we celebrate Christmas in vain.
Be in the party, but don't miss the celebrant!
Some people, like Herod, are so vested in themselves and their status that they fail to see the Christ, says Pastor Jeremiah.
Others are plain too busy and tired---always rushing, fretting and worrying, and never having time for what matters most.
Being extra generous especially on Christmas, yet not acknowledging Christ who is the source of all things, is simply a no-brainer.
Mary, after being told by the angel that she would bear the Christ, proclaimed to Elizabeth her cousin, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:46-47.
Why not be like these three:
Mary who stood in awe of God, pondered about it in her heart, and freely spoke about God's favor.
The wise men who traveled from foreign lands to worship Jesus and lay gifts at His feet.
The shepherds who enthusiastically proclaimed the Christ to whomever they met.
Push back all that unnecesary "stuff", suggests Pastor Jeremiah. "Don't do Christmas yet miss it."
Let Christ alone be Christmas.
