“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
I have a Son-in-Law named Charles. Today is Charles’ birthday. I helped celebrate Charles’ Birthday YESTERDAY. Charles is VERY happy!
If you know Charles, you know he’s a smart, tough, manly man who loves Jesus and his family. When my daughter, Calah told me she needed help in getting a gift from her, I was all in. I won’t go into the details about the gift because THAT is another story. But OTHER parts of the story that deserve to be told… like the REASON I helped them celebrate YESTERDAY!
Because of calendar issues and plans with his mom and dad, there was really only time to get this gift to him YESTERDAY. Knowing Charles, we already KNEW he would LOVE the gift! It takes a LOT to get Charles excited and my daughter Calah KNEW THIS would do it! I did too. So the presentation happened YESTERDAY… NOT ON his Birthday! And he didn’t mind a bit!
Over the centuries, the Christmas story has been told, tweaked and retold over and over. Therefore, it is not uncommon at Christmas time to hear opposing views as to the legitimacy of Christians celebrating Christmas on December 25th, with adverse instructions as to HOW. It gets even WORSE at Easter! I’d like an attempt to De-Manify both!
The gift Charles got had NOTHING to do with time! But BECAUSE of the timing, Charles was able to enjoy it YESTERDAY… AND will enjoy it TODAY when he actually USES it! The day had NOTHING to do with his enjoyment of ‘The Gift.’ But rather enhanced it. Just like our celebration of Jesus Christ as ‘The Son of Man’ AND ‘GOD in the Flesh!’
Having been chided, and forced to listen to ridiculous reasons why we SHOULD NOT celebrate Christmas or Easter (and even the Sabbath) on the days we do, along with excuses as to WHY and HOW, I have become far too nauseated to hear anymore! Knowing Jesus personally as I do, I absolutely know for CERTAIN that HE, like Charles, could care less WHEN or HOW we celebrate His Birthday. Being humble, I know He just LOVES it when WE DO!
Is there any WRONG WAY to show love and appreciation for someone? If you LOVE them you won’t shoot or spit at your loved one. Careful planning and consideration go into honoring and celebrating that special person in your life. Wrong intent with bitterness and harm NEVER enter the equation for celebration. Exclusivity and judgment only take away!
So MERRY CHRISTMAS friends. God the Father invites YOU to MAGNIFY His son…not MANIFY Him. That means the whole celebration of Christ’s Birth is both personal AND corporate…AND GODLY! You SHOULD honor Jesus Christ as God YOUR way… AND join in WITH a Church Family to do it ALONG WITH His Bride! All the time leaving the criticism at home! With Jesus, you either join ‘The Family’, or you don’t!
Are YOU celebrating the Birth of the Savior with friends and relatives AND His Church?
