Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
The traditional Christmas Season is near. In my little opinion, it is both appropriate and helpful to remember it is just that—a tradition. There is no Biblical mandate for it—nothing that even comes close to saying, “Thou shalt celebrate Christmas—and have a Merry one at that.” As you probably well know, there are certain aspects of almost every tradition that, over time, can become burdensome, drained of meaning, or downright perverse. To be sure, a Christ-less Christmas is as void of its original intent and meaning as is the crazy notion of “same-sex marriage”—where same sex-ness cancels out the very meaning of the word “marriage.”
The positive good of the Christmas tradition is realized in one’s heart-level review and reflection upon the marvel of a Big God, motivated by love and grace, becoming little man for the purpose of rescuing man from the Big hopeless problem of his own making. I am moved by the words of that song (written by William Emmanuel Booth Clibborn—grandson of William Booth, founder of Salvation Army):
My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His Name.
Born in a manger, to His own a stranger;
A man of sorrow, tears, and agony.
What condescension, bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, Not one faint hope in sight,
God, gracious, tender, Laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul.
The FOCUS VERSE speaks to the marvel of it all. Please don’t stop marveling over this mind-boggling reality—The King of kings and Lord of lords being born in a dirty stable?—laid to sleep in the animal’s feeding trough? Come on—that’s not what we would expect of Supreme Royalty! And now we behold Him on that special occasion announced by Zechariah, riding into Jerusalem, finally accepting the public recognition of His being the promised Messiah—riding, not on a splendid white steed, but on a donkey?!—with no royal fanfare?! Come on—that’s not what we would expect!
Do you remember the offense the religious elite took at this scene—where some could not tolerate the crowds being so fired up with their own simple inspired fanfare—causing them to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Do you remember Jesus’ response to their offense: “’I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out’” (Luke 19:40).
Since we referenced the song above, let’s finish out with its chorus. This may be the best way for us to personally respond to the Christmas tradition:
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.