During these days approaching the Christmas
holiday, I have been taking some time off and have been reflecting upon the
central figure of Christmas. The popular culture being what it is, the central
figure of Christmas is often lost among the clutter. Without trashing all of
the holiday’s pop culture trappings, I would like to remind us of the central
person in Christmas as revealed in the gospel of Luke. It’s Jesus Christ.
When the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias, John
the Baptist’s father, it was about Jesus. When his wife, Elizabeth, became
pregnant at an advanced age, it was about Jesus.
When Gabriel spoke to Mary, Jesus’ mother, his
message was about Jesus. When Mary responded in what we now call the
Magnificat, her response was about Jesus. When Mary conceived by the Holy
Spirit, it was Jesus.
When Zacharias’ tongue was loosed and he began
to prophesy, his message was about Jesus.
When Caesar Augustus decreed the census, it was
unwittingly about Jesus.
When an angel spoke to shepherds near Bethlehem,
it was about Jesus. When they came and found the holy family, it was about
Jesus. When all those who heard the story wondered and when Mary pondered in
her heart, it was about Jesus.
When the Lord’s family came to the temple on
the 8th day, it was about Jesus. When Simeon prophesied, it was
about Jesus. When Anna gave thanks to God and spoke of the redemption of
Jerusalem, it was about Jesus.
When the magi showed up, about two years later
from Persia, their visit was about Jesus.
As we gather with the Lord’s Church this
weekend to pray, to sing, to study, and to proclaim, it’s about Jesus.
As we gather with family and friends on
Christmas eve, and or Christmas Day, it’s about Jesus.
When we send Christmas cards, when we tweet,
post, or email greetings to family, friends, and colleagues, it’s about Jesus.
When we present gifts to those we love, it’s
about Jesus.
When we experience the love, mercy, grace, and
presence of God, it’s about Jesus.
I pray you experience the immeasurable love of
God, through relationship with Jesus, during this Christmas season and beyond.
The season, the year, the century, the millennium, the epoch, the eternity is
about Jesus.
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