When I think about Christmas I think about the love and warmth of my family on a cold December. I don’t think about the birth of Christ or the “reason for the season” and I believe that is okay, based on the reality that Jesus is constantly on my mind.
Why do some get strung up on the pagan references and connotations to secularism, yet Jesus is not on their minds?
Let’s see what the holy scriptures say here in Matthew 1:21 NKJV — “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Christ over conspiracies
Perhaps it’s because we want to live right or have a strong taste for facts but I don’t have the same view as I once did. Deeply into conspiracy theories and hidden truths, similar to the rabbit hole reference you see in the matrix movie.
So, Jesus wasn’t born on day 25 of December, the 25th coincides with Egyptology’s myth deity Ra, Santa is an anagram for Satan; but does it matter?
As long as the truth is that He was born into our human world and lived a perfect life to die a perfect death for our great sin and rebellion against God the Father, I believe that’s what matters. That’s the truth about the birth of Jesus, that he WILL save us from our sins, the small details around the season; I believe we can dismiss them. Our focus should be on thinking about Jesus in each moment, not seasonally.
Align our vision
Not convinced, let’s read Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Excuse the pun, but let’s look deeper into the word “looking” expressed here by the Hebrews author.
Looking – aphoráō – to consider attentively.
Attentive here means paying close attention to Jesus, not the emotional idea of him (where we can stray to unscriptural destinations), but attentive to his word. Jesus is the word of God, the very Bible we read John 1:1. So we don’t need a seasonal reminder to look to him, we stay looking, feasting and enjoying Jesus.
I also deeply enjoy the fact that the city of London slows right down and has a similar mindset to rest and be in less demand of each other. I like that, I can intentionally stop and spend quality, extended time with my family also, a blessing we don’t get to frequent in major world cities like London.
Live freely in truth
Friends, Jesus is not just for Christmas, he’s for each moment of your life, a saviour, our God to look to. Yes, we must be vigilant for the lies and mistruths around Christmas, but don’t let our enemy ‘rob’ us of the joy of family, warmth and a chance to share and show the good news of Jesus.
Let’s not ignore the mistruths but know the truth, to be free. In the same breath let’s not let the reality of lies surrounding Christmas be the catalyst for us not to enjoy the good and truthful elements of this season.
Be present with your loved ones, tell them that you love them and enjoy their presence while looking to Jesus each moment of your life. That’s Sobering!
Have a good Christmas for the team at Sober Mind.
Sincerely Charles
