Tomorrow, the Christian world celebrates it’s second most sacred day of the year, the celebration of the day that Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, who came to a fallen world. He came, of his own free will, to be the fulfilment of the long ago prophecies in the Old Testament to be the Savior of the world – a sacrifice and atonement for those that would accept His sacrifice on the most sacred day in the Christian faith, Easter.
Society celebrates with this time, all too often, with a far more commercial outlook rather than with the spiritual import it should connote, and yes, I am one of those that believes this time has become too concerned with externalities and not enough with internal reflections. Indeed, it is a time to be with family, friends, and loved ones, and exchange gifts with them in mimicry of the real Gift we were given 2000 years ago. A Gift that is as real, and far more valuable, than any found under any Christmas Tree, eternal forgiveness.
Surely, His words spoken years after His birth still ring true:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelations 3:20)
But before those words, were these (Luke 2: 8-14):
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
We at GraniteGrok wish you and yours both a Merry Christmas, and a reflective Christmas. We look to the Manger, and we still look Heavenward, where true Peace and Joy is found.
