And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.’ (Luke 2: 13-14)
One of the ways that some people get in the “spirit” of Christmas is to watch the old-time Christmas movies.
In the “Miracle on 34th Street,” we see that skeptical adults can be given the wonder of Christmas, and that a little girl can be given a new family.
In the “Bishop’s Wife,” we witness a harried bishop, obsessed with building a cathedral, return to the faith and hope that once took him into the ministry.
In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we watch George Bailey being reminded that his life is more wonderful that he knew, and we’re reminded that none of us really knows the difference we make in other people’s lives.
In “A Christmas Carol,” we see how old Scrooge is given back his heart and how Tiny Tim both lives and thrives with Uncle Scrooge’s help.
Some people would call such movies too good to be true. As followers of Jesus, would we want to dismiss the messages found in these Christmas movies?
The Christmas story says that God loved us so much that He was willing to enter into every aspect of our lives, so that none of us would ever have to face any loss, worry, need, or fear all by ourselves.
The Christmas story says that God missed us so much because of our wandering ways that He sent Jesus to find us.
The Christmas story says that through God making His home with us, we can make our home with God.
The Christmas story says that Jesus is the path from heaven to earth, and from earth to heaven, and the Way for us to be covered by grace and reconciled to God.
The basis for all of those Christmas movies is the story of Christmas.
Although the movies may seem at times a little too good or fanciful to be true, we can, as the followers of the Christ Child, proclaim, hold fast, and build our life here and now, and our life in the hereafter, upon the story of Christmas. The story that is, finally and forever, too good not to be true!
Christmas Blessings and Peace and Joy to all.
Reflection Questions:
- What would it take for you to accept and celebrate that what makes Christmas “perfect” isn’t what you do, bake, make, or give, but what God has already done in and through Jesus?
- As you exchange gifts this year, will you take some time to remember and celebrate that Jesus is God’s greatest gift to you?
- This year will you—maybe for the first time, or maybe for the thousandth time—give to Jesus the gift He most wants from you?
My Barnabas invites you to hear a most beautiful song. It is “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle. Please click on the picture below.
Click here to watch: “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle