There are many things in life that are important, but not essential. There are many things that are seasonal, yet not fundamental.
But the reason we can keep going through life's challenges, including the challenges we've faced this year, is because Christmas is essential.
Not the holiday, not the setting aside of the day, not the celebrations, but the child:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Is. 9:6-7)
The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘saviour’, or ‘rescuer’. He came as a child that first Christmas to rescue us and bring a better government - one that doesn't just enact external laws, but a spiritual reign that transforms the human heart to make us people who reflect God's nature. A government that brings peace from the inside out, not merely outward compliance.
Don’t we wish for a government that had the capacity to change the darkness in human nature? No human regime can do so, but Jesus came to do exactly that through his life, teaching, and especially his death, resurrection, and ascension.
So, Christmas is essential.
15th Dec 2020
St Matts. Newsletter
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