We all know by now that the “Big Day” is almost here. A few more weeks and we will be celebrating the observed birth of Jesus as told in the narrative of both the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. We also know that this year Christmas is going to be a bit different than other years because of COVID-19. Restrictions, guidelines, mandates, recommendations, and different suggestions from local, state and federal agencies and government fill our social media feeds, newscasts and newspapers.
That doesn’t mean that Christmas has to be any less than the remembrance of the King who was born for the salvation of man. I love how the angels describe this to the shepherds the night that Jesus was born. In Luke 2:11 we read these words from heaven, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (ESV). In The Message translation of the Bible we read it a bit differently, but with the same meaning, “A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master” (MSG). The implication is quite apparent; the Savior has been born. The fulfillment of the promise made in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) has now happened. Truthfully, a pandemic isn’t going to make this providence of God any less impactful. In fact, for right now, the gift of Jesus is even more profound. It speaks to us directly through any circumstance.
In light of Christmas just a few weeks away, family gatherings limited, church services virtual, and many of the other things that we look forward to, but are not happening; how can you rejoice this year more than any other previous year?
1. Give God the Glory – After the angels has made their pronouncement, the heavens opened up and a host of angels appeared to sing this song of praise and triumph. “Glory to God in the Highest” (Luke 2:14a, ESV), they proclaim. This is an important phrase for us because it leads us to the truth that, “For those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28, ESV). In the midst of any situation; good or bad, hard or easy, painful or sweet, sorrow-filled or joy-inducing, we can give God the glory because it is – and will – work out together for good.
2. Rejoice in Peace with God – Christmas is more than the lights, the family get-togethers, presents and food. Christmas is first and foremost – I’d even say exclusively – about the birth of Jesus. This birth isn’t insignificant in the scope of Christmas. It is Christmas! This birth is the gift of God to man for the redemption of sin. The birth doesn’t redeem us (that’s the work of the cross and resurrection), but it is the manifestation of the lamb who is the means of redemption. The angels continue, in their heavenly choir, to sing out, “and on earth peace among those…” (Luke 2:14b, ESV). Again, an important phrase for us today in the midst of a world changing pandemic to bring to mind the words of Paul in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). Christmas is about peace brought to earth… given to men… so they should not die. The first verse of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing points to this amazing truth; “Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.” Rejoice this Christmas more than any other… in the peace you have with God as a sinner who is reconciled.
“In the midst of any situation; good or bad, hard or easy, painful or sweet, sorrow-filled or joy-inducing, we can give God the glory because it is – and will – work out together for good.”
3. Remember God is Pleased by Faith in His Son – While many are not overly pleased with some of the gifts they get during Christmas, God is pleased with the work of His Son. Christmas, at least in the biblical sense is about God stepping out of heaven, as the manifestation of Himself, through the second person of the Trinity; the Son. In so doing, God takes great pleasure in this. Christmas is not only about the gift of the son to us, but the pleasure of God in doing so. Listen to the last part of this chorus that the angels sang, “with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14c, ESV). This means, that God is pleased in “whom” will believe in His Son. It means that God is delighted in the exercising of faith by those “whom” have received this peace. It means that the countenance of God (His face/demeanor) is one of joy when His children believe in His Son for salvation. Hebrews 11:6 points to this, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (ESV).
This Christmas, as things are going to be different than previous years, perhaps even a little more lonelier, remember these three keys to a more joyful Christmas than ever before. In this, as a believer in Christ, you able to withstand the fiery darts of the evil one. The darts of depression, discouragement, anger, and impatience are all very real. The temptations of alcohol, self-medication, abusing online websites, and even abusing your family or friends are all lures that are employed during the holidays. Remember, to give God the glory in all things, rejoice in the peace of God given through Jesus, and that the faith you exercise (by His gifting it to you) pleases our Heavenly Father immensely. Then, have a Merry Christmas… COVID isn’t strong enough to diminish the joy of Christ in you.
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