Would you believe that CNN ranked Branson, Missouri, as one of the top “Christmas destinations” in the world? It’s true. In large part this was because of the elaborate display at the place that put the formerly small Missouri town on the map, Silver Dollar City. During the Christmas season (which they begin on November 1) the 1880′s themed park decorates and dazzles with a five-story high special effects Christmas Tree and an all encompassing light-and-sound show on the “Town Square.” It is all timed to traditional Christmas music with the pinnacle being a synchronized lights and music presentation of “The Hallelujah Chorus.” In all, Silver Dollar City alone boasts over 4 million lights during their Christmas celebration!
Now, before you get either impressed or depressed about all of this, let me assure you that I am not trying to start a travelog nor a side business with bus tours to Missouri! And I am not going to try and demonstrate why such extravagance during the holiday is a good or a bad thing. What I do want to do, however, in the midst of your celebrations — whether grand or a bit less complicated —is to remind you of one truth that will never change no matter how large the holiday electric bill gets.
The simplicity of Christmas.
It is so easy to get caught up in the flurry that surrounds us. And make no mistake, often the folks who decry the commercialism and the celebrations are just as caught up in the busy-ness of their endeavors at this season of the year as the greediest merchant has ever been! But the fact of the matter is that the Savior came in a simple way to simple people and for a simple, but eternal purpose.
“…when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4,5)
Now I know there is a lot in the doctrine contained in these verses that is far from simplistic or even easy. But I am not speaking of the sovereignty of God over history, or the way in which the Trinity could cause the Son to come from the Father, or even the intricacies of the doctrine of divine adoption. No, I am speaking of a matter far more direct and to the point.
The simplicity of Christmas.
In reality, the story of Christ’s coming to earth is a very simple thing. Mankind, all of it, is in desperate straights as every man and woman is born a sinner before a holy God. The depth of this problem is such that people can do nothing about it on their own. Spiritually speaking, people are dead before God. But God is life, and He not only can do something about the problem of man’s sin, He did! In an action that theologians describe with words like “kenosis” and “hypostatic union” and a variety of other thoughts and explanations, God took on human flesh so that He might come and make possible the reconciliation of sinners to Himself.
The simplicity of Christmas.
Love was demonstrated that night in Bethlehem as God came in the form of a baby. Eternal purpose was carried forth as God’s promise, made before time even began (Titus 1:2), came to fruition in a place normally inhabited by animals. Grace poured out upon society’s lowest laborers (shepherds) as they were the first to hear the glorious news. Grace upon grace, actually, as the news was declared by a messenger sent from God directly to the shepherds, and then that messenger was joined by a myriad of others all crying out, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” And what was the cause of their joyous praise?
The simplicity of Christmas.
It was the first angel who told the story to the frightened field workers. But it was the sight of the angel that bowed the shepherds, not the messenger’s words. That message was sweet, pure and simple so that the shepherds could and would grasp it. It was given directly and simply so that those men would take up the charge and follow it through. Although it was a dispatch from heaven, it contained what was needed on earth to unveil the gracious love of God for His own. The message was simplicity itself:
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Don’t be afraid.
God is sending good news.
He has come in the flesh according to His promise.
His Son, the Christ, is to be the One who is Lord of your life.
All this is simple to know, and simple to believe, when you see the Baby.
The simplicity of Christmas.
Posted on December 1st, 2009 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen