Beautiful, Urgent Christmas

More and more I am noticing the urgency, the beauty, and the seriousness of Christmas.

As a child, Christmas was exciting because it seemed that in the month before Christmas, the world (or rather my small sample of it) became cheerful. I loved the music and decorations (still do) and all of the festivities. And then there was a lull, as I grew and saw that the world didn’t actually brighten up for the season but simply pretended to. This was disappointing and I wondered if I would ever return to the child-like wonder. But I’ve learned that Christmas is more than a joyful celebration (though it is also that). Christmas is a rescue mission. Christmas is dangerous. There is an urgency to Christmas that the world doesn’t understand.

Christmas carols are both somber and joyful, songs of real hope, not simply a bandage to fill December with false joy but a hope to fill the whole year, because Jesus came to rescue us and He’ll come again! Because a new, sovereign King has come, because the slave is our brother! Because in His name all oppression will stop! Because God is with us! Because the God of the universe took the humble way in, because we do not have to buy our way to Him, because He loves us and whatever we want to offer Him, because He came to save us when we’d gone astray, because the prophets’ words have come true!

Now that is some seriously good stuff! We have watered Christmas down to fairy tales, giving gifts, reindeer and bright lights. These are all wonderful things and great ways to enjoy and celebrate the season, but the actual message of Christmas is far more powerful, far more joyful.

Oh, I want the world to know that I sing and dance and clap because the King has come! The rescue has arrived! The dark world we live in has nothing on Him! Darkness is light to Him!

It is truly a joyous season, because

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light!”

“For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: 
Amazing Counselor,

Strong God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Wholeness.

His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going with fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.”

(from Isaiah 9, The Message)

For me, Christmas has many flavors.

I taste sorrow and darkness of the world, the unknowing.

I taste excitement and anticipation for the first time Jesus came to us and for when Jesus will return.

I taste urgency, that all people will know Him and have a love relationship with Him.

I taste joy, because the Light has won!

So when January comes, I will still be singing joy. Joy to the world, the King has come! Let earth receive her King, every season, every day!