Christmas Responding

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).’”

 

     You might be familiar with that announcement this Christmas. And possibly, you are familiar with the various responses to that announcement:

 

     Confirmation. Are you seeking proof or affirmation of the Christ this Christmas? Do you disbelieve, like Zechariah (Luke 1:18), or is your response more like the shepherds, to confirm what your faith already assures you (Luke 2:15)? If you do not believe the Christ has come, to take away sin, then repent. If you seek confirmation to make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10), then be diligent and pursue Him.

     Reflection. Are you quick to respond? Hasty with an observation, word or answer? Does Christmas only speed you up instead of slowing you down? If so, consider the peril of neglecting divine pondering. Christian, this Christmas, respond to Christ by treasuring up His first Advent in your heart (Luke 2:19). Ponder the fact that God promised His Son and gave His Son, just as He said (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23).

     Obedience. Christ came and called sinners to repent and follow him. We have the Word of Christ in our hands and this Christmas, are you resisting it, or submitting to it? In the wake of God’s clear command to you, are you quick to obey, like Joseph (Matthew 1:24)? If not, what sin are you clinging to?

     Troubled. Are you troubled at the reminder of Christ’s arrival this Christmas? Maybe, like Herod and all Jerusalem (Matthew 2:3), the thought of losing control over your life and kingdom causes great fear. Yet, saint, what you proclaim is ‘Christ is Lord’ (2 Corinthians 4:5), so let your life, this Christmas, reflect that. 

     Worship. Christian, as you respond to Christmas this year – what or who are you worshipping? You will know by what you are following (Matthew 2:1-2). Will you traverse afar to worship Christ? Will you bring your very best to Him? Or, does some other object of worship have your heart this Christmas?

     Peace. That is what the angels declared that first Christmas (Luke 2:14). Peace among those, Christian, with whom God is pleased. If you are in Christ, that is you. And so, as you respond to Christmas, I ask: Are you feeling at peace this year? If not, why? Turn from your sinful self-focus and cast your yoke upon the Christ (Matthew 11:29); place your faith and trust all the more in the newborn King.

 

     So good Christian – how will you respond this Christmas? Will you seek confirmation? Will you take time for reflection? Will you obey Christ? Are you troubled with Christ? Or, will you bow down and worship the King, anxious for nothing, praying in everything, with thanksgiving – thereby having the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)?

     Can there be a better response to Christmas this year?