The Big Deal of Christmas

Christmas ad campaigns come earlier and harder every year. Sale papers and flyers litter every Sunday newspaper enticing us with ideas for Christmas gifts. I even heard a retailer for eye glasses putting a Christmas spin on a recent radio spot. The Political Correct crowd get into the picture in the debate of Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. Incidentally, for me, it will always be Merry Christmas, unless intending it to be all-inclusive with Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. So, what's all the fuss? At the risk of sounding like the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge, just what is the big deal about Christmas?

For the Christian, there is but one answer, however, there are a number of factors that enter the equation. It could begin with even the announcement of Christ's birth. The angels had the privilege of announcing His birth to both Mary and Joseph (separately) and then to the shepherds out in the fields on the very night of His birth. Christmas is a big deal because of the importance of His birth, and the angels' announcement set the tone for just how big the event was.

The couple chosen to be the earthly parents of Jesus also anticipated the event. Remember, they were human, just like we are. They were excited, albeit nervous, about this blessed event. Some of Mary's thoughts are summarized in Luke 1:39-55 when she wrote a song (now referred to as the Magnificat.) What a beautiful way of sharing a bit of her soul with all of us. Joseph allowed his actions to speak volumes in first of accepting Mary as his wife, then refraining from consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born.

The birth of Jesus was affirmed by several others in His early earthly life. Mary and Joseph were careful to fulfill the law with the offering of two turtledoves when He was eight days old. Simeon and Anna both blessed the Messiah in their old age, signifying their anticipation of such an event.

A short while after He was born, the worldly leaders were stirred with anxiety. The Magi from the East came seeking Him to worship Him. They stopped by to visit Herod, asking him of the Child's whereabouts. Herod immediately began to devise a way to put Jesus out of the picture. Obviously, Herod was threatened by this young Child. The world has continued to be perplexed and even angered at the very presence, mention, or thought of Jesus.

There are some relevant factors involved in how all these work together to answer the question about why Christmas is such a big deal. The birth of Jesus gives us an abiding principle to live by. The Ten Commandments had been given, yet Jesus' birth summed the Ten into Two ~ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said on these two hang all the law of the prophets.

We also enjoy an understanding of an abiding purpose. As Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He plainly stated His purpose for us all. We are to evangelize and make disciples. Recorded more than once in Scripture, this is plain for us to heed.

Among my favorite factors relevant to the big deal of Christmas is the gift of His abiding peace. Some 700 years before He was born in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah said He would be the Prince of Peace. When the angels announced His birth, they said, "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, PEACE, goodwill to men!" The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, said about Jesus, He gives the peace that passes all understanding (4:7)!

The big deal of Christmas can bring peace that passes all understanding. Suicides will spike during these couple of months ~ because those who choose not to trust Christ do not understand the peace they are missing. There are those battling discouragement right now because they do not have the peace that passes understanding. Worry and grief take an unnecessary toll on those who do not accept the peace that passes all understanding.

This is not to say that the person who trusts Christ will not have problems. Nor is it intended to say we will not grieve or have discouraging times; but what is certain is the fact that the presence of Christ in our lives allows us to deal with these issues with the understanding that He is walking the road with us. The big deal of Christmas is a confidence in the presence of Christ's principles, purposes, and peace. I don't understand a lot of it, but I'm sure glad to accept it.