Wow, it is CHRISTmas Day! Amazing... the gifts are unwrapped, the meals consumed and relatives across the world are gathering to celebrate one of the most important "holy days" (Rambo-McGuire, 2006) of the world. There are families gathering to celebrate together and individuals who are alone all over the world.
As I was logging on to read mail this afternoon, I noticed the headlines of world news. "Ethiopian jets bomb Somalian airport," (Associated Press, Yahoo News, 2006). As I read the news of the day, my heart was bothered by the fact that not all of the world was at peace today. I am so very well aware that there are those in our country and across the world, who do not have all of their needs met. There are those who are homeless, those who don't have anything to eat, or clothes to wear on their bodies. If only more cared to reach out to those who are less fortunate.
There are some people who believe that the poor have no right to blessing during Christmas, yet their attitude is one of essential scrooginess. The writer to the Hebrews in the first Gospel, Matthew, stated Christ's words, "the poor you will always have with you, but me you do not always have." (Matthew 26:11, NIV, used by permission). I am so keenly aware of how blessed I am, in comparison to many who have much less than I do. My children and I are so very blessed this Christmas. I pray for those who are on the streets who have need of blankets, food, clothes, and shelter from the cold. I ponder if there are enough angels to help these often forgotten members of our global community. I am also so keenly aware of Christ's presence today in my life.
Two-thousand, plus years ago, the divine Father made His second imprint on humanity. He overshadowed the Virgin, named Mary, to impregnate her with His seed, Jesus Christ, out of love so that the world might be reconciled to Himself. The first imprint was creating humankind in His own image, with all of the characteristics of the Godhead available to humanity. The second imprint was the gift of love that provided a way for humanity to find its way back to relationship with the divine.
Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable, not in palaces, or castles (McGuire, 2006). He came in a contrary way to what the religious establishment of the day desired. Isn't that so true of most of the religious world today? In many ways, religion seeks to box Christ in, to put parameters on who can and who cannot come into the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ's work was complete. By becoming man and living a sinless life on earth and by enduring a humiliating experience on a wooden cross, He provided the perfect means by which humanity can come to the Creator of the Universe. Yet, even though He gave His life in such a free way, there are those who desire to put markers on humanity. There are those who wish to exclude individuals from the Kingdom. My question is this: Who has the audacity to raise themselves up to the position of judging humanity's eternal position? That place is reserved for God Himself and Himself alone. It amazes me how many people, in America, in foreign countries, in churches, make choices of hatred towards one another. Even in Christian families, there is often discord around the holidays; discord that often severs blood ties. This ought not be so.
Jesus Christ came that we might live an abundant life... this is often mis-interpreted to mean "abundant provisions." What I believe He really meant was that we would find abundance in His very real presence in our lives. That as we daily seek Him, we will find wisdom to walk out our daily lives and the ability to live in peace with all humanity. This Christmas would not be Christmas if it did not contain the word "Christ." The world would not be the same without this very special, Holy day! (Rambo-McGuire,2006). The name Christ, means "the anointed one," hence, Christmas literally means that this day is a Day of Anointing. It is totally possible to imagine that all who exist on earth could find themselves anointed for peace this day. Anointed for love, anointed for kindness, anointed for reconciliation, anointed for beauty, anointed for abundance, anointed for harmony, and anointed for the healing of their lives. It is also a day for anointing the lonely with companionship.
So this CHRISTmas Day, I challenge you to be aware of what you are being anointed with... is it reconciliation? is it peace? is it love? is it benevolence? I hope that today, you will find more than anything, peace and warmth for your soul.
Merry CHRISTmas!!
With love,
RamyB
Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Yahoo News (2006) Ethiopian jets bomb somalian airport. www.yahoo.com/news
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