Pastor John D Jakes

On Sunday we began a new series on the things that we forget about Christmas.  What profound meaning Christmas has!  The reality that the lights, presents, family get-togethers, and other trappings are just trappings is easy to mess up.  It is easy to substitute the icing of Christmas for the cake.  I mentioned Sunday that we Americans are so good at separating holidays from their meaning.  We take lights, presents, even manger scenes and disconnect them from why Jesus came.  When Christ’s coming becomes a good story to tell, it loses something.  When Christ’s coming is no longer connected to why He came, then His coming has lost its meaning for us. 

There is no greater struggle in this world than the search for meaning.  People have lost much of their sense of purpose.  Our elderly do not understand their purpose. Moms and Dads don’t understand theirs.  Perhaps even Jesus has lost His purpose in our minds.  How sad is that?  To think that we have come so far from the true reason that Jesus came that many do not even understand it anymore. 

Wow!  The most exciting truth that we know and people don’t even know what it is.  That God would come down in the person of Jesus and save us from ourselves is astounding.  That we would forget why He came is a shame. 

Is that why so many struggle with being down around this time of year?  Yes, there are those who are struggling with problems in their life, but I am referring to that general lethargy and pessimism that so many seem to be experiencing.  Is it because we are not remembering the reason behind the coming of that little baby?  Is it because we are celebrating something that we do not understand anymore?  Maybe it’s time to remind one another that God came down in His Son.  He came to save us.  He came because He loves us.  Perhaps we should hear the words of the angels to the shepherd: “I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!”  He is our Savior because we need saving!  What a wonderful truth.  May it bless your heart this Christmas.