Christmas eve........2021. The television is filled with images, sounds and sites of what the world believes is the "perfect" Christmas. The perfect home all decorated with the perfect tree and ornaments. Beautifully wrapped presents awaiting the family to open them. Some will get up on Christmas morning to find new cars and trucks decked out with huge red ribbons, sitting in their drive way. Gifts...gifts....and more gifts..... Smiles everywhere as the family relishes each unwrapping with sounds of glee and laughter. Christmas eve 2021.....
On the other side of these commercial's lies a reality that most of us do not want to think about. Those who will spend the day alone with their thoughts of Christmas past. Sprinkle these thoughts with an overflowing sense of guilt, depression, and a smattering of "What's the use?" and you have what some have faced (and will face) during this season.
Their Christmas will be spent huddled away from everyone they know. Their companion on this day may be a bottle with which to drown the memories. Some will look to a needle to dull the pain of this day. Others will seek pills or "lines" or joints...anything to create a false sense of reality. Do you know what the funny part in all of this dark pageant is? The reason for this season, the birth of Christ, stands there with them. He sees every dark thought that move through their brain. He feels every bit of the pain and oppression that seeks to crush them in this season.
Call me silly, or out of touch, but I believe that Jesus is for the marginalized....the outcast...those under the oppression from the kingdom of darkness. I believe that the call and offer of salvation is loud and strong on this day. You see, all of us....from the highest to the lowest stand on equal ground at the foot of the cross. We all are in need of a Savior. That Savior has a name, and that name is Jesus. God come to all of us this day. Come to those who have much........but with an abundance, come to those who have little or nothing. Let the air be filled with Your glory today, tonight and tomorrow.
The posting this morning was not intended to be a downer, but rather a check on our own hearts to see if we truly do embrace the One we celebrate. It's funny, but I don't remember reading anywhere in the Christmas passage from Luke that religion was mentioned. It only speaks of a young couple who had been ostracized by their society because of an unusual pregnancy. Oh yeah, there were some shepherds who had a "Twilight Zone" moment when and angel showed up with some good news. This angel was followed by a host (not sure how many make up a host) of other angels, all with the same message. "Glory to God in the Highest". The center of this event was a new born babe. But this babe was unlike any other. He was God in flesh. He was God come down to mankind to take away our sins, and in return offer to us eternal life with Him. Now that is pretty heady stuff.
Today, if you are out, look for those who are struggling with Christmas. Maybe offer to buy them a meal. Hey, give them your coat so that they can be warm in the coming days. The list is endless of what we can do. But above all let them know about this Jesus. He changed me and He will change you.
Tomorrow morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m. we will be having our breakfast give-away at the ReCovery Church. Our menu will be a bit limited, but I assure you that there will be plenty to eat.
Merry Christmas from Vicki and Michael, Anthony, Ann, Deb and Barry, Lanny and Debbie, Todd and Nola, Wayne, Mike K. and Chris K.
God on you...
mbb
No comments:
Post a Comment