The process of the printed word being published means that communicating through a newspaper can take a lot longer than we’re used to with modern technology, but I feel in this case the timing works well, as I can write about Christmas whilst remembering some key moments in our history.
I’m writing this column during the Remembrance Day service in November to perhaps connect a few of the themes of Christianity. This Remembrance Day commemoration affirms a foundational statement of the Christian faith which states: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.” There is a saying in the military that soldiers die for their comrades to the left and right of them in a wartime situation, not just for their country.
So what has this to do with Christmas?
Well from a Christian perspective we are celebrating the birth of the One who came to die to save us and give us hope not just for now, but for the life to come. Jesus Christ didn’t come to solely set up a world religion as much as demonstrate the nature and character of a loving Father and destroy the works of Satan and evil and so set up communities of His children to be a positive influence and bring His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.
Out of this understanding and revelation, Christians have set up structures for generations, called churches and denominations, in order to fulfil everything else Jesus taught His disciples to do. Bringing this right up to date – it is amazing to think that in a few decades the largest community of Christian believers may be in China. Christianity is truly global.
Back to the reason for the season. Jesus was born to die and you can’t separate Christmas from Easter. It is difficult to really understand Christmas if we don’t understand Easter and vice versa. Jesus was born to die. His birth was prophesied in the book of Isaiah (chapter 7 v14): “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” And chapter 9 v 6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
At Christmas we can celebrate the birth of Jesus. At Easter we’ll remember that His death on the cross, and His resurrection, brought about the ultimate defeat of Satan’s kingdom in the fullness of God’s timing. To quote from the Good Book once more, (John 3 v 8): “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
Christmas and Easter cannot be separated, and it is timely to remember the One who came to lay down His life for all mankind, even as we celebrate His birth. His death and resurrection have given us hope, of new beginnings and eternal life. This Christmas, when you watch A Christmas Carol by Dickens, you are witnessing a ‘born again experience’ as Scrooge sees the light. When you watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ remember also that you have a real purpose in life and you are very, very precious to God.