Reflections on Christmas 2012. Planning a Real Christmas?

Reflections on Christmas 2012.

Planning a Real Christmas?

And when they (the shepherds) had seen this, they made known the statement, which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things, which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds went back; glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. (Luke 2:17-20)

They made known the statement, which had been told them about this Child. (Luke 2:17)

The shepherds received a remarkable Christmas experience from God.  And they did not take it light-heartedly. They knew that what they saw, heard and experienced, was really very important.

All the Jews had in those days been taught at least something about the coming Messiah. There was urgency in their expecting his coming. They understood the significance of God’s intervention by the long awaited Messiah.  

So the shepherds knew that they witnessed a glorious, divine event of great importance.

There is a lot of lip service paid to Christ during the Festive Season.  As the time for the holidays approaches, most people begin to have Christmas parties, celebrating in the name of Christmas and even sing Christmas carols. Celebrities who would usually never say the Name of Christ – except when swearing - enthusiastically sing his birthday songs on prime time TV. And after the Season is over, continue to act as if nothing significant happened.  

This is not the way that the shepherds acted after they experienced the heavenly Christmas service and went to see the Child. “They made known the statement, which had been told them about the Child.”

What makes the difference between someone who only sings about Christ at Christmas and someone who proclaims him and lives for Jesus Christ all year round?  

The significance of Christmas escapes some.

Others cannot wait to proclaim it.

It is a true and life changing encounter with Jesus that moves us to proclaim Christ the whole year round. Having a relationship with Christ certainly makes the difference. 

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen ... (Luke 2:20)

Their attitude towards praise and worship changed as well. After their encounter with Jesus, - in other words after enjoying a real Christmas  - and after they had told everyone who would listen to them, the shepherds went back to their flocks and everyday lives – but now they were glorifying and praising God all the time.

This happens when Christmas is a real experience, and not an artificial, seasonal high that is part of enjoying holidays that just happen to be part of the community life I live in.

When we celebrate a real Christmas, like the shepherds did, it will deepen our relationship with the King who was born! For, if we meet him, and know him, he becomes our Saviour and Lord.  

A real Christmas changes us into testifying, worshipping, praising and serving children of our God!

If you this Christmas receive this real life experience from God like the shepherds did 2000 years ago, will you not sing his songs, pray his prayers and serve the majesty of Jesus every day of your life?