Our local paper's editorial for today is "Christmas in an Onion."
There are many layers to an onion, right? In the same way, Christmas is like an onion. Keep pealing the layers away and more of Christmas is revealed in all its beauty and charm.
Well, OK.
But, really, that editorial misses the point.
Christmas is...
A newly married couple making a long trip and arriving just in the nick of time.
The lowest of the low - shepherds - who get the privilege of hearing the greatest news delivered on high by a heavenly army.
A little town that is oblivious to the great thing that is taking place right under their collective noses.
A word from one of God's messengers: "Born to you in the city of David a Savior - He is Christ the Lord!"
The baby in the manger.
The name, Jesus, which means, "The Lord saves."
To be sure Christmas is about family and friends and peace and understanding and love.
But who delivers these things?
The God who sent His Son in the world to be Savior.
Jesus lives up to His name.
We who were separated by sin have been reconciled to almighty God.
It could have only happened if a perfect sacrifice could be offer that would pay for our imperfect lives.
Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. And on the third day He rose again - the perfect payment for you and me.
Now, we have been justified by grace through faith in the Christ child.
We are at peace with God.
We are free to live as God's dearly loved people. We are free to love God and to love and serve each other.
That's why we celebrate this day. That's why we celebrate and give thanks every day.
Christmas
is
CHRIST!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
BTW, I'm taking my annual Christmas blog vacation - I'll be back on January 6th. Thanks to all of you who check in from time to time to see what's going on with me and my family and our church.
God be with you.
