I was curious to see what a software (AI) would say if I asked the question, “What is Christmas?” The answer I got back was, “In essence, Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and community, celebrated with various customs that blend religious, cultural and secular themes.”
That answer is what I expected! Teaching, even in “Christian” circles is being watered down to provide a palatable experience for all people. You hear less and less that Jesus is “the Reason for the Season” and more and more, people wishing each other a Happy Holiday! I was flabbergasted when I heard that a Nativity scene, that for decades was prominently displayed in the town square in a community nearby here, has this year, been moved to a side street location!
AI was correct with stating it is a time of joy, reflection and community but more needs to be said. Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of our faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when we celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies. Did you know that the Old Testament predicts Jesus’ birth and death 11 times!
Luke 2:1-20 is one of my favourite readings for Christmas. My wife and I took in a Trans-Siberian Orchestra performance a while back and were amazed at all the special effects! Those effects paled to God’s special effects!
Luke says that there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people… Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Can you imagine what the shepherds felt when suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them…
My heart is that we have this same boldness to proclaim the birth of our Lord and Saviour and to take it a step further and speak the reason for Jesus’ birth … Back to my original question – What is Christmas?
It is the depth of God’s love for us … For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
May the Lord’s great love bless you this Christmas.
Jan Kwasniewski
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Christian Virtual School
