christmas

This morning, as I lay in bed, I realized that I have been so busy this past month that I have barely reflected on Christmas and it's significance. I did see a play a couple of weeks ago that keeps resonating in my head. It was a one man show. The character was Joseph, Jesus' step father. It was moving and enlightening to think about the birth, life and death of Christ from the perspective of Jesus' step father. Most theologians would say that Joseph died at some point during Jesus' childhood because he isn't mentioned in the scriptures. Regardless, this Joseph made some beautiful observations. He was confused at the thought of God fathering a child but he knew the baby needed a father here. He longed to protect him and see him grow up well. Besides, he really did love the Boy's mother. He reflected on the time Jesus stayed behind with the priests at the temple when he was 12 and how terrified he was that his Son was gone. He talked about when Jesus started his ministry and how He just left one day. Joseph said his Son looked at him and said, 'it's time for me to leave' and He did. He left for three years and did miracles, healing people, hanging out with sinners, pissing off the Pharisees. His earthly father heard about his activities through the grapevine. He couldn't believe his son was being accused of being the Messiah. And that is how this Joseph thought of this. An accusation. Jesus didn't fit the picture the Jews had of the Messiah. He wasn't driving out the Romans and bringing freedom to His people. But He was, and is, driving out sin and bringing freedom to all people. All the things the Jews wanted this perfect baby, born in what seemed to be an imperfect way, to be, He is. He is all of these things, just in a completely different way. He is the King of Kings, He does drive out the enemy, He is the ultimate sacrifice, He is good news for all people, He is Immanuel-God with us.

When thinking about which is more important, Christmas or Easter, I am at a loss. Without the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, there is no forgiveness of sins. However, without Jesus being born of a virgin, without sin, there is also no forgiveness of sins. So, I guess neither is more important than the other. It is a symbiotic relationship. He was born to die, and even received an embalming spice, myrrh, as a gift from one of the Magi. But He wasn't only born to die, He was born to live again. So, that is why today is so important. If He was never born, what hope would we have? If He was never sacrificed, where would we find forgiveness? If He never rose again, why would we long for heaven?

"'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord'...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 among those on whom His favor rests!'"