A Christmas Thought

It is now very late on the night of Christmas, and I have decided to get a start on my blogging. My intention is to cover a number of topics over the next week, wrapping up the year with 366 things that I am thankful for, and then starting off the New Year with a list of goals that I intend to meet in the next  12 months. So let us begin.

Every year starting at the beginning of November and running through the end of December, there are copious amounts of Christmas music, advertisements, and discussions of holiday planning. This is followed by work, church and school parties. Finally, families and friends gather together for a celebration on the 25th of December bringing the event to a conclusion for another year.

Many people will hear of the birth of Jesus during this time, mixed with Santas, reindeer, snowmen, elves, trees, and gifts. But how many actually pay attention to the meaning of the beautiful sentiments expressed on the cards, in the ancient hymns, and nativity scenes with wise men and shepherds? How many others actually understand the greater purposes that grant this day its singular meaning.

Obviously, Christians should be the ones to recognize the themes expressed during this season, but the birth of Jesus Christ in meaningless without His death upon the cross. The wishes for peace on earth and goodwill to men has no purpose without the corresponding suffering. The cradle would remain empty if it were not for the grave. The angels singing would be hollow except for the resurrection.

Often Christmas and Easter are separated from one another in both thoughts and emotions. Everyone sees in Christmas the hope of life and birth. But Easter is often more focused upon His suffering and death. Yet, it is for this very reason that Jesus was born and came to be born in a stable. This was addressed by Jesus Himself when He stated, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour': but for this cause came I unto this hour." (John 12:27)

The cross and His death is mentioned far more often than the circumstances of His birth. The Gospels refer to his birth and early life twice, but His suffering and death are recorded in all four, plus referenced in nearly every epistle at least once.

During these last few days as we complete our celebrations of the birth of Christ, in that little stable in a tiny community named Bethlehem, let us also remember the suffering and death that bought for all men the potential for redemption according to the plan of God from the foundation of the world. (Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 13:8)


God bless you, and I hope you had a merry Christmas and will have a happy New Year!

Reviving the Blog!

Having been away from this blog for quite some time, I was uncertain about leaving it up or closing shop entirely. I recently decided to return and start posting again. I would like to give a wide variety of updates on things that have happened since I walked away, but that would take far too long. Suffice it to say that after a period of at least two years, I have decided to commence my blogging again. This is especially true when I saw that my blog has continued to be seen around the world, though at a much slower rate than when I post regularly.

I have some thoughts, and may post them today but I might also get them tomorrow. Much will depend on how fast my research and typing progresses. Thank you again for reading, and I apologize for my very extended absence.