REFOCUS
Today’s breath prayer is from the book of Colossians.
It contains two phrases, one to say on the inhale “Christ in me…” and one to say on the exhale “…the hope of glory.”
READ
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance
4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
REFLECT
On Keeping Christ in Christmas
It’s that time of year and Christmas Day is just around the corner. Yesterday, I spotted one of those signs that show up each year. It said, “Keep Christ in Christmas.”
I understand the sentiment. I too see what seems to be a decreasing awareness and acknowledgment of something that is precious to many of us. (Have you tried to find a nativity set recently? They can be quite scarce.)
The secularization of our culture can be disheartening to those of us who celebrate more than Santa, good cheer and “happy holidays.” We yearn for a world where the Prince of Peace that we know, is known and honored by others. We want Him to be visible to the world.
Yet, we can’t expect that non-believers will act like anyone other than who they are. In fact, since we value truth – not a facade of religiosity – we can never be satisfied with empty words. In short, it’s not others’ job to announce, “the good tidings of great joy.” That job belongs to those who have found peace, love and joy in the Babe of Bethlehem.
And so, while I continue to greet all with a Jesus-centered “Merry Christmas,” I take no offense with others’ greetings of the “holiday season.” They can “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” all they want. I might even join them. But my real joy is found in the rocking of the cradle and the knowledge that He is my rock and salvation.
Neither do I scoff at references to the “spirit of Christmas.” In fact, I’m thankful that the “spirit” is still acknowledged by most as being one of peace, love, and joy – even if the source of that spirit remains a mystery to them.
And I still allow the beautiful lights of the season to speak to me of the glory of He who is the “light of the world,” – even if others see only blinking and twinkling.
I’ve heard preachers remind their congregations that “they may be the only Bible someone reads or the only Jesus they will ever know.” Although a somewhat weathered saying, it rings especially true at this time of the year.
The truth is that if Christ is to be found in our culture during Christmas, it will not be because Walmart keeps Him alive or civic displays make Him known. It will because He lives in us. The peace, love, and joy that are Christmas slogans are found most fully when Christ is alive in our hearts.
I resonate with a story I heard about a retired missionary. Each Sunday, he would rise and the pastor would call on him, “Yes, Peter,” he would say. And each time Peter would declare: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!” He would then sit back down, waiting for the next week, when he would repeat the same phrase. He did it week after week, for years.
It turns out that this is the Christmas “spirit.” Christ came in a manger, yes. But now He comes into each heart that welcomes him. The “spirit” is none other than Christ, himself. And that message is true, in season and out of season. It is true when lights twinkle and when they are dim.
In fact, it is often in the darkest times that the light of Christ can be seen. Romans tells us that love is “shed abroad” after we have suffered and faithfully endured. James reminds us that joy is found as we counted on the growth that comes through trials. We read in Philippians that peace occurs when we greet great struggle with prayer and surrender.
I can’t help think that this is the way that Christ is birthed in our heart – Peace, love, and joy in the midst of brokenness. And I’ve observed that when it is, nothing else can provide such a powerful light.
It outshines every Christmas party, or card, or sentimental greeting. These “tidings of great joy” are unmistakable, and the “miracle of Christmas” is not confined to 34th street. Instead, it is found in the wonder of the living and breathing God born in us – as surely as that same God came to us as the Holy Child in-fleshed in a barnyard.
And so I agree with those who want to “keep Christ in Christmas.” But I wish for another, more truthful and important sign in my own life; one that reminds me and others to “Keep Christ in Christians.”
RESPOND
Questions to Consider
- How have you seen Christ being “birthed” in those you have known? (i.e. made visible)
- How have you seen Christ being “birthed” in you?
- Which of these seems like the thing you most need to do to evidence and experience the love, joy or peace of Christ?
- Endure faithfully in the midst of my suffering.
- Consider my trials as opportunities for growth and maturity.
- Surrender my worries in prayer.
Prayer
The third and fourth verses of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” contain first a statement and then a prayer. Read them to take in their meaning, then sing them to the Lord as your prayer.
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him,
still the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
Blessings,
Rev. James R. Needham, PhD, MDiv