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Christmas Comfort


This year the Christmas decorations have flown off the shelves, and everyone seems to be "decking the halls" early. The reason I believe people have become zealous to dive into Christmas, is the world right now is rather dark. The sexual scandals and accusations of once believed to be respected people is enough to scare anyone from dating any time soon lest they be next name add to list of offenders. The threat of World War III breaking out between the US and North Korea, and China, Japan, and Russia has many restless. The possibility of nuclear war with North Korea and Iran in prospective future is enough to make Zombie Apocalypse shows seem homey and uplifting. Then there is just a sense of deep despair in the air, as the world seems on brink of a major disaster, even the Patriarchate of Russia has said, "The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church said Monday the world is on the brink of slipping into “the abyss of the end of history,” according to a state-run news agency. The apocalypse “is already visible to the naked eye,” Patriarch Kirill told congregants after a service at the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, reported RIA Novosti."(https://www.yahoo.com/news/apos-end-history-apos-near-212535359.html)All this is enough to make people want to go into their homes and bury themselves under a blanket and not come out. Then there are those bright and beautiful lights, golden, colored, solid and blinking, the cheerful snowmen, the jolly faces of reindeer, Snoopy, and St. Nicholas. Then beyond and most potent, is the bright star of Bethlehem, and Holy Family, Jesus the Christ Child in cradle or swaddled; reminding us, that in darkest of times, when the ruthless Roman Empire ruled most of the earth, Our God and Savior came to earth.

We need Christmas more than ever. As a world that is tumbling into an abyss of misery tries to rewrite history, gender, and bravery; as everything is shaking (see Hebrews 12:26-28); there is one constant holiday, Christmas, and in same manner of its namesake, Christ, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). We find comfort in traditions, the trees, ornaments, presents, lights, and more. As you wander the stores, children and adults alike for a moment become gentle, and with a single purpose; to find decorations and presents to bring holiday cheer. Despite the materialism and consumerism I have so often criticized, Christmas still survives, reminding people that Joy has come to the world, and there is a reason to sing, even when the world seems intent on stinging everything. Christmas is vacation from the vitriol that is pervades this age. It is a time when people find the Hope they crave, for those who secular, a touch, a silent night, but for Christians a bright beacon and trust in our Lord God Jesus Christ who saves.

There is plenty that can be questioned about many Christmas traditions, Tertullian and Origen have a thing to say or two; but honestly, I think when Christ looks down on us during this holiday and see people become like children again (Matthew 18:2-4), if even for moment, putting aside their grievances and pain to enjoy the lights, mirth, and merriment; I think it is as the apostle Paul says, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you [ let anyone condemn you] by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." (Colossians 2:16-17). While I always prefer to emphasize Emmanuel, God with Us this time of year, I want to give a pass to those who are lost in folklore. My hope is they can come to revelation we Christians have, that a God who made all things (John 1:3) so loved us He died for our sins while we were sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:6-11), and that you simply need to believe in Jesus Christ as Son of God and the LORD God and you shall be saved (John 6:40, 1 John 4:15, Romans 10:9-10). Jesus Christ is not still a baby or child, He grew up and at age thirty three He was crucified for our transgressions and rose from dead, for He is God and One with Father God, and Holy Spirit God. My hope and pray at this time of year is that people do enjoy comforts of Christmas, that they will even more so find comfort in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:1-2). Amen.

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