The Party

‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows – light! sunbursts of light! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.”

The Message – Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

All of the parties in the world pale in comparison to the greatest reason for celebration the world has ever seen: the birth of the Christ child over 2000 years ago. Think about it: heaven literally came down to earth that day! The Father sent his son to be born in humble flesh (like us!), so all of humanity who walks in darkness could see this great Light. If ever there was a reason to party, this surely is it!

Ever since, Christmas is celebrated every year all over the world. But over the past several decades, it has almost become part of the tradition to argue about the relevance and validity of Christmas. Whether we object to malls decorating with Santa as soon as Halloween has passed, the language of “Happy Holidays” replacing “Merry Christmas” or the ubiquitous use of the term “x-mas”, we seem to have plenty of things to be up in arms about. Alas, this year will likely be no different

Unless…

Unless you and I make a decision to personally celebrate this entrance of Light into our world, regardless if others do. The gifts, the trees, the food and the carols aren’t required for us to have an intimate encounter with this One who was born into humanity long ago. If He is our Lord and Savior, then He has taken up residence in our lives. He will be with us always, ‘…even unto the ends of the earth.’

When our cultural celebration is finished this year, life will still go on and most of humanity will continue to languish in the dark without light. Our responsibility, all year long, is to be light to a world lost in darkness. And when someone sees the light the first time and receives it for themselves? That, my friend, is reason for a party!

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

The Message – Matthew 5:14 – 16