I was listening to "Born Tonight" sung by Denver and the Mile High Orchestra in the van today as I running some errands and it got me to thinking...which is always a dangerous thing to do. :) Anyway, it got me to thinking about why Christmas is so important. If you will, allow me to paint a picture and build the case for why it is so important.
It all has to do with the sinfulness and depravity of men. Since the time of Adam and Eve's sin, we have been in a downward spiral of sin and depravity. In the course of human history, we have managed to fall into every sin imaginable. Let me build you a list of the filth that we have partaken in:
Lies
Disobedience
Murder
Adultery
Prostitution
Masturbation
Homosexuality
Beastiality
Thievery
Abortion
Incest
Gossip
Hate
Greed
Lust
Coveteness
Idolatry
Dishonesty
Disrespect
Rebellion
Complaining
Fighting
Whining
Pornography
Child Sacrifices
Cutting of self
Cannibalism
Child pornography
Rape
Child Rape
Orgies
Legalization of same sex marriages
and the list goes on
To add to this, the sin that caused God to destroy the earth by flood the first time was that he Sons of God (Angels) were sleeping with the daughters of men.
There seems to be no end to the end of our depravity. When God established the Law for the Nation of Israel, it was for several purpose. Not the least of which was to show the Holiness and glory of God. It was also to show the justice of God and His intolerance of sin! God demands that sin be punished and the law clearly revealed this truth. The Law also showed that no matter what they did, man could never fulfill the demands of the law, nor could they live a perfect life. They cried out in hopelessness and for one greater than them who could fulfill the Law and save them. God answered this prayer in Christ. This is what the birth of Christ meant. It meant the salvation and Hope that they had longed for. It provided Hope for them, for us. We have someone who stands in the gap for us, making amends for our sins and providing justice and redemption.
As you enter this Christmas season, do not let the familiarity of it reduce the importance and significance of it. My prayer for myself and for you is that God will shake us to the core with the incredible gift that it is! Search your own heart with brutal honesty and openness. You know the depth of your depravity and sin. You know where you would be today if not for the forgiveness, love, grace, and mercy of God. You know where you would be today if not for the restraining power of the Holy Spirit. Feel the weight of your sin. For only by feeling the weight of your sin will you feel the weight of God's glory, justice, power, love, and forgiveness. We are so undeserving. It is important for us to feel this and to keep this ever before us for it makes the gift and sacrifice of God all that more important!
2 comments:
Hi Michael,
Some recommended reading for you:
That Devilish Spirit of Christmas.
Sara
Sara,
Thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out.
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