Walking Around the Yuletide Log

Merry Christmas

Christmas 2014 is here. As for weather, it is more like a South Texas Christmas than a PA Christmas. After spending so much time in Texas, we learned that Christmas is not about the weather, so that is not an issue. Also, we have had illness in the home. In that way it hasn't seemed much like Christmas, but more like the infirmary.Thankfully, Christmas is not about how we feel. Regardless of the surroundings, the trappings, the weather, or the feelings, Christmas is Christmas. And of course we all know, "It's the most wonderful time of the year."

As I take a few moments to reflect on Christmas, I would like to focus on the value of the holiday. 

• The Theological Value

The greatest value of Christmas is found in its roots -- the birth of the Messiah. John 3:16 sets the stage for the birth of Christ when it says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son...." Galatians 4:4 tells us that the timing of Christ's coming was at just the perfect time, exactly when the Father wanted it. Micah and Isaiah record the prophecies; Matthew and Luke give us the narrative of the events surrounding the Savior's birth. So very simple, yet so incredibly profound was the birth of the Christ-child. His very birth was far beyond the comprehension of those present and even most those that celebrate the event today. His whole reason for coming to earth and being born was so that He might live and die as the substitute needed that man might be saved.

• The Familial Value

One of the great benefits of the holiday season, especially Christmas, is the ability to spend time with family. In the busy world in which we live, often we find ourselves caught in the hustle and bustle as we are frazzled by the intensity of the season. Time with family can be a great blessing of the Christmas season. One of the disappointing aspects of Christmas is that distance does not allow for time us to spend time with all of the family as I would like. Time and distance is, as often, again a condition that desire just cannot overcome.

• The Relaxation Value

One of the benefits of the holiday season is the possibility for some R&R. Of course, something being possible and something actually happening ... not always the same. Often, though, there is at least the possibility to get a little much-needed rest.

Obviously, the greatest value of Christmas is in its true, theological value. Without that, the day would be like all others and mankind would be lost without hope of redemption. It is only through Christ that we have any hope of salvation and it is only because His sacrifice was sufficient to satisfy the Father that we have the means to salvation.