Christmas season is all around us. Sparkly lights in windows, on stores, and along the streets. Happy music everywhere. Decorated pine trees everywhere you look.* So, yes, I think about Christmas. But what does it mean to me? My husband’s article (below) speaks of baby Jesus, shepherds, and the heavenly hosts’ announcement. He explains why invisibly disabled people need Christmas, too.
What Child Is This? © Joe Griffitts
Deference to might and power was a psychological tactic of war employed by ancient military commanders.
Roman generals purposely took their time assembling their armies as they came into the view of the city they sought to overthrow. They even gave cooks and laborers helmets and spears, so their army would appear to have more fighting men. They did so to impress the enemy with their mighty army.
The Bible often speaks of great and mighty armies as hosts.
Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’"
A whole heavenly army accompanied one angelic messenger. This great multitude of angels came to cheer and praise the glory of God. What kind of battle is this? What kind of ruler has a whole army to use just for cheering? And sends into battle not a heavenly host, but a baby?
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
The angels are cheering this baby, Jesus. They know this baby will grow up to win the war against Satan, the prince of the world. Since God in Christ Jesus survived and conquered in the enemy's territory, then God is indeed all-powerful. And He can deliver me if I believe and obey him.
God has a Heavenly Army that surrounded the birth of our Savior, Jesus, and protected Him throughout His life, even in the enemy’s own realm. God speaks of Jesus in this Psalm:
Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV)
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
God offers you and me the protection of the heavenly host.
Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.”
At Christmas, there is great comfort in knowing
What Child Is This?
Born in a stable
Thrown into battle
But surrounded by the Spirit and Army of God.
So …
This year, if you do not know Jesus’ story, research it and find out for yourself what He is all about. And if you do know Jesus, take some time from your busy schedule to know Him better and draw closer to him.
*I do know that for far too many people Christmas is a sad time. Maybe they are lonely. Often, invisibly disabled people know isolation. Possibly, people live alone. Perhaps someone they loved passed away around Christmas. Jesus remains the answer for them.
Some churches have a Blue Christmas program especially for hurting, lonely, or grieving people.
Your Input
What does Christmas mean to you?
Have Fun with These Links
Check out this Blue Christmas Liturgy and see what a Blue Christmas service is all about. Then look for one near you, if it looks helpful.
For a complete version of the Christmas story, see Why Christmas. The website is written especially for children and includes worldwide traditions.
Franklin Graham has a TV special, “The Cost of Christmas,” Find information and times.
Look up our other Christmas posts.
