Man (and woman) are capable of some most remarkable things. History bears witness to the atrocities man is capable of committing as well as the feats of genius and unimaginable compassion. Yet even in our most compassionate moments I have concluded there is no good in man expect through the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. I suppose we are all born with a heart defect, for the path to sin is born with us. As our bodies grown in strength from birth so too is the compelling evidence of our iniquities. You see it in the first lie your child tells you or the toy that they refuse to share and as these children grow to adulthood the need for Christ becomes more and more apparent. Just as we see the sin in ourselves and in our children and still we love them, Our Father also knows our hearts and his love is never wavering.
In Isaiah 55:8 The Lord said "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," and so it must be, because in spite of my good will towards my fellow man I could not willing submit my child to be mocked and ultimately killed for the sake of man. In knowing all things, how bitter sweet it must have been to watch Mary bring forth the Son of Man on that glorious night only to know what his fate would be some 33 years later.
Each year we exchange gifts as a means of celebrating Christ's birth and yet he remains the ultimate gift. Word became flesh and walked among us. God revealed himself to man in a new way and for this we will never be the same. As we open our presents let us never loose sight of the gift we have been given or the states of our hearts without the love of Christ to fill them. Perhaps that great theologian Linus from Charlie Brown's Christmas said it best when quoted the gospel of St. Luke to make Charlie Brown see what Christmas is really about.
"And there were in the same country sheperds 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."
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."
Merry Christmas to you all and God Bless.
Brian
