My sermon this morning is on the dark side/light side of Christmas. The dark side is, of course, my sin which brought about the need for God to enter into the world in the form of a baby; the light side being the birth and life of Jesus and ultimate death to bring about my salvation. Today’s devotion gave another perspective to that thought. First this:
Jesus endured human injustice in the here and now so that I would be blessed with divine mercy for all eternity.
The Christmas story is that baby in the manger would find Himself on the violent end of death. What Tripp does is show how slaughter started things and murder finished it. When Herod found out the wise men had tricked him, he lashed out in slaughter. When Pilate could not stop the hoards, he crucified Jesus. As Tripp so clearly puts it: “The slaughter depicts how much the earth needs grace. The murder is the moment when that grace is given.”
“Father, what a pointed lesson. While I celebrate the birth of Jesus (which is okay), it should also remind me of another celebration-the death of Jesus for my salvation. Help me not to forget that as I celebrate. Help me (as Tripp suggests) to see another tree as I look at the decorated Christmas tree with lights shining.”
I remember reading this devotional last year and feeling like it sucked the joy right out of me. This year, I am Thankful to be reminded of the horrificness (is that a word) of both the time surrounding the birth as well as the obvious death of Jesus. The darkness is terrible, but what better way to see the light than in the midst of darkness. Looking at my own life, I can see the comparison. The darkness, the sin, the rebellion which exists in my own life is seen much more clearly in the light of Christ.
Thanks for the reminder this morning.
Ryan
I remember that feeling also Ryan. But this year is different. I realize 1) how true it is, but 2) how grateful I am for the gift of Jesus. Definitely keeps things in perspective.
Two trees . . .
May we see the whole picture as we celebrate Christmas.
Blessings, Bill!