It’s easy for the meaning of Christmas to get lost. The search for its “true meaning” is discussed annually. Linus explains it to Charlie Brown. The Grinch is taught by the Who. This year, without consciously looking, without asking, I was reminded of what we are celebrating.
I was recently involved in a situation where, in a matter of 15 seconds, my mood went from calm to as worked up as I’ve been in a long time. It happened so fast, and it was so intense, I was dumbfounded. When it passed, my thought was “What in the world was THAT?!”
I’ve been around long enough to know that the best thing I could do was to remedy the situation the best I could, and move on, which I did. After that, I was left with the question “How could that have happened? I thought I was better than that”.
Then, BAM, as clear as day, along came the answer. Apparently, I needed a refresher course of who I am. I may pride myself in my attempts to be even tempered. I may think that I have the ability to think clearly and reason things out, calmly, but the incident made it obvious to me that deep down, I’m basically capable of who knows what.
Which brings me to the reminder I was given about the meaning of Christmas. The Gospel of Luke states the thing we are celebrating in very simple terms - “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” I don’t want to get all theological here, but I was reminded of the simple idea that I need a savior. I need Someone to save me from my fallen nature.
As much as I would not want to relive those moments of weakness I experienced, I am extremely grateful for the reminder that I am a person in need, and that need can be met by no one other than God Himself… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas everyone!
