The Offense of Christmas

 

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

Christmas naturally provides opportunities to talk about Jesus with people. On one such occasion I was driving along with a friend who was not religious. I asked “So do you believe in the existence of Jesus as a historical figure?” He said, “Yes.” I also questioned, “Do you believe Jesus died?” He remembered the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and acknowledged how brutal the Roman torture was, and stated “The Romans were ruthless. He definitely would have suffered mortal wounds.” I addressed the resurrection, “Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?” He paused then doubted the writings of the New Testament that testify to it. “What about the belief that Jesus is God?” He questioned the possibility of it, then quickly mentioned how he fully agreed with the moral teachings of Jesus. (image by Santa Vectors by Vecteezy)

For many, when they have conversations about Christmas, it turns to a discussion of family gatherings, school programs and holiday decorations. But for true Christians it is much different. It is centered around Jesus; that He was sent by the Creator God from heaven to earth; that His birth was miraculous and a historical fact; that He grew up to become the world’s greatest teacher, spiritual leader and miracle worker; that He died by sacrificing Himself for the salvation of all mankind; that He conquered sin and death by miraculously rising from the dead. This Jesus, the divine Son of God, is worshipped by people all over the world at Christmastime in remembrance for who He is and what He has done.

Even though the discussion about Jesus with my friend was pleasant, there are other times, when the Christ of Christmas is divisive. This time every year, many attempt to ban Jesus from His own holiday and replace Him with elves, reindeer and lavish spending. The area of tension is found in public settings, where officials do not want Jesus to offend school or university students. And in business arenas, where owners do not want to offend customers. The offense of Jesus goes beyond this and to world religions. Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and even atheists – they all have one thing in common. They do not acknowledge Jesus as the divine Son of God or celebrate Christmas in honor of Him.

What is at the heart of this effort to expunge Jesus from Christmas? The deity of Christ. The fact of Jesus’ miraculous birth, life and resurrection all clearly reveal He was more than just a mere man, but divine. And this truth has far reaching implications. It means Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords and must be submitted to. It is a truth that commands allegiance. It is a truth that changes everything.

We see this illustrated with King Herod in the Christmas story. After Herod heard about a baby boy that had been born as King of the Jews through wise men whom were seeking to find and worship Him, Herod sought to find and kill Him. He wanted to be rid of Jesus. Why? Because He posed a threat. The wise men did not think the same. They traveled from afar, and brought gifts to honor the baby King. He was no offense to them.

Jesus once said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) From the divinity of Jesus comes a blazing light. It pierces through a world steeped in darkness. The shining light was displayed in full measure on the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago.

The light of Jesus’ deity and peoples need for His saving power, offends them. They try to hide from it, or even work to eliminate it, but cannot. Yet, in His kindness and mercy, Jesus still calls out that they might know Him through His covenant love.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we praise you for the Christ of Christmas. We praise you, that He was more than just a man, but God Himself walking among us. This Christmas, may people see His divine light and turn to Him with all their heart and be saved from their sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.