Advent started on November 28th and I'm pretty sure that if we were to ask Christians what Advent is, or how they acknowledge the Advent season we would be met with blank stares, and silence. Indeed, Christmas has lost it's meaning to many of us.
Lately, I've been thinking about the birth of Christ and the magnitude of that day. The beginning of our redemption. I'd forgotten how important the birth of Christ was, and still is. It honor of that special day Christmas should be a time of celebration and worship for unto us a Savior was born.
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2
The wise men had it right. At the very sight of the star, which was a sign of Christ they rejoiced. Later on in Matthew 2 it goes on to say that when they saw the child they fell down and worshiped Him. Opening their treasures and giving him their best gifts.
In light of the Season of Advent I've been reflecting on how I go about worshiping the Lord on Christmas. I still haven't come up with an answer. Christmas to me is the only other day besides Easter that should epitomize the heart of worship. Days like these should symbolize worship in every way. Christmas is about giving our best gifts to God and not to one another. I'm not saying that we shouldn't appreciate one another by giving gifts, but when we fail to acknowledge God in the process of buying or giving the gift; it ceases to be an act of worship in my opinion. At that moment it then becomes an act of consumerism that only spurs on another act of consumerism in the future.
Through Him let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15-16
As Christians we have allowed the culture that surrounds us to define what Christmas should look like. It's no longer marked by the birth of Christ, which was the beginning of our salvation. Now, it is marked by Black Friday, Santa, and presents. It's time for us to start celebrating Christmas in a way that glorifies Christ, becoming the antithesis of the world's version of the holiday.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
How do we start to reverse the damage that's already been done...worship. lets refocus, recommit, and re-prioritize. Christ first and everything else second.
No comments:
Post a Comment