Christmas View: Wonder, Worship and Witness

Christmas season is one of the great celebrations in the planet earth. It is celebration around the world in various countries, cultures, languages, and races. Sadly, a majority of the world population celebrate a 'secular Christmas'; where Lord Jesus Christ is not the reason or centre. For children Santa Claus is the centre of attraction. For environmentalist tree is the centre of attraction. For gluttons, it is the cake and goodies the major aspect for Christmas. For musicians the carol is the thrilling aspect of Christmas. For young adventurous, carol rounds in the cold night is 'cool'. Let me share what I think of Christmas. I would sum it up in three words: Wonder, Worship and Witness.

It is WONDER

I am awe struck to learn that God the Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to be born in an insignificant place – manger, in a cowshed, in a small town called Bethlehem (Luke 2:12). God could have planned it well, allowing the incarnation to happen in some luxurious palace, in a great city. But, the place was deliberately chosen so that even the marginalized humanity be comfortable to come to the Saviour. A luxurious place would have turned off many poor and under-privileged people.

Mary (Luke 1:29) and Joseph wondered too, how they were chosen. A teen age girl became the vehicle of incarnation. Not well educated, poor girl was chosen. I also wonder how I was chosen to become child of God. Do I deserve it? His grace compelled the Son of God to be born in Bethlehem. Christians are from all the spectrum, from least to greatest. Foolish by world standards but wise by God's standards (I Cor 1:20-22).

For shepherds, it was a wonder to see an angel delivering a great message (Luke 2:10,11). Shepherds were considered as low in the social hierarchy and their profession is not highly rated. God visits people irrespective of their social or economic or political status. God intervened when they were doing their secular profession. He speaks to us in our own work contexts. God spoke when the shepherds were doing their night shift. Society forgets those who serve in the nights: watchmen, security personnel, drivers of trucks, trains, aeroplanes etc., nurses, doctors, BPO employees…etc.

I get my self-worth by His love that He came in search of me.

Call for WORSHIP

The response to Christmas or the birth of Christ is worship. The shepherds heard the message from the angel. They discussed among themselves and said, 'let us go' (Luke 2:15). They went and worshiped him. The Angel had said the child is: the Saviour, the Christ and the Lord (Luke 2:11). The child was one day old baby but Son of God, Lamb of God who will die on the cross of Calvary for the sin of humanity and rise again. So, He is the Saviour. The Jews were looking for the Messiah – the anointed one. In the Old Testament priests, prophets and kings were anointed. But, here is the Messiah who is greater than priests or prophets or kings. As creator God, the Son of God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is sovereign ruler of the universe. When we worship we acknowledge his sovereignty over our lives. The Wise men from the East also worshiped the new born king (Matthew 2:1).

Christmas is a call for me to acknowledge His Lordship and worship him. That means my whole life becomes worship. Whether I eat or drink, I have to do for the Glory of God.

Worship is my life priority and life style.

Mandate to WITNESS

After the shepherds worshipped, they spread the word (Luke 2:17). People, who heard their testimony, were amazed (Luke 2:18). It was spontaneous reaction to their Christmas experience. They were not trained or not motivated by reward, but they responded enthusiastically by spreading the word. The Christmas message of joy and peace was not just for the small audience of shepherds but for the whole humanity. So, they should not keep it to themselves, they have explode the message. That is what they did precisely.

I have my job description, to be witness and to make disciples of all nations. I am not supposed to keep silent. I cannot demarcate boundaries, for the message has to break all cultural, national, class, race, gender, race, age, economic, social barriers and spread the whole world. I have to become channel of that blessing.

Witness is my only life purpose.

Challenge

This Christmas makes me wonder again and again to understand how God loves me. It demands re-organization of my life – lifestyle of worship. Christmas gives me mandate to witness and take the gospel to the uttermost part of this earth.