It is an interesting experience to read about the death and resurrection of Christ during the season that we celebrate his birth. Nevertheless, that is the portion of my reading today as I finished the Gospel of Luke.
There are a great many things I saw in the final chapters of Luke which had not captured my attention before. But those notes are for another time. What is of interest, during this season, is the stealth of the chief priests and scribes.
Luke tells us in 22:2 that the chief priests and scribes began their plot to kill the Christ in secret. Why? Because according to Luke's notes, "they feared the people." They feared the people. They had no sense of the fear of God, simply the fear of what the people would think or do. Even their binding together did not give them courage.
All too often I find myself fearing what people will think or do should they be approached with the gospel, or even with the true meaning of Christmas. For the past few years the on-going controversy between Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays is hoisted upon businesses by Christians. Yet, how often do we follow that "protest" with a testimony to what Christmas truly means to us and to the world?
My wife and I have a tradition where we hand out candy canes to clerks and other people that we contact while out and about during this season. You would be amazed at how a simple little candy cane and a "Merry Christmas" touches people's lives. Seldom do we have the opportunity to follow up with any meaningful conversation. Nevertheless, simply taking time to look into their eyes, give them a simple gift, and wish them a heartfelt greeting evokes some amazing reactions . We have even seen tears as a result of that simple gesture.
Does that make us courageous and bold in our witness - of course not. But it may be a seed planted which someone else may harvest. Nevertheless, we have no fear as we carry out this little tradition.
"They feared the people." Thank God that we are not to a point yet in our society where we must fear our testimony to the Christ child. Nor should there ever be a time when we fear men over the Messiah. However, it won't be long before we are faced with that choice.
Merry Christmas!
2 comments:
You mentioned the happy holiday vs. Merry Christmas controversy...I have noticed here in England that Merry Christmas (or Happy Christmas as they say in these parts) is definitely the norm -- EVERYTHING says Christmas or is marketed for Christmas (not holidays). I wonder if it's because they still have a state religion? That also may explain why they have Easter holiday here instead of Spring Break.
What an interesting contrast to the states. Although I have noticed that Wal-Mart is changing and the clerk at Target said "Merry Christmas" - which a year or so ago, they had banned.
One thing that is becoming a feature on the local news is "punks" that are driving over or otherwise destroying front yard Christmas decorations. How bizarre is that?
Happy Christmas to you all!
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