I finished putting up the Christmas Tree this weekend. It is the first time since I have been a wife and parent that I have done it alone. It is yet another symbol of the changes that have taken place in my life over the past year. There are times it is difficult not to slide into some self-pity and become morose over it all.
When I catch myself heading in that direction I have to recall what this season is all about. Nothing about Christmas is about trees and ornaments, or cookies and egg nog. Nothing about Christmas is about cards or gifts bought from a store or on line.
All that Christmas is about is found in Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus, the King of Kings who condescended and became human for the salvation of the very people He created. The Lord Jesus who loved us enough that before time began determined that no other sacrifice for the future sin of mankind would do other than the spilling of His own blood. That same Lord who could have put a halt to this entire world knowing the sacrifice that He would make on our behalf determined that in love, He would redeem the unlovable. Astounding! Astonishing!
As I contemplate this tree before me decorated with lights and treasures of my family I have to be mindful that it is all meaningless in light of the reality of what Christmas truly is, and WHO Christmas is really about.
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Is God "pleased" with you? Hmmm... God is not pleased with your righteous deeds, or your holiness, or your church attendance, or your contributions to charity, or your political perspective. He is only, only, only pleased with those who are in Christ Jesus. God is only pleased with those who He as adopted into His family through Christ. He is only pleased with those who He calls His children.
This is why Christmas is important. The only possible way God will be pleased with you is if you are found to be righteous. The only way you are found righteous is if you are in Christ. Were it not for Christmas- the birth of Christ- our fellowship with God would be impossible.