Second-Hand Christmas

Do you remember the days before Amazon?  Seems like a long time ago doesn't it?  With the news coverage of countless container ships stranded off of the California coast threatening this year's supply of Christmas gifts, it's no wonder people are starting to scramble in November like it was noon on Christmas eve! Will we still be able to have Christmas?

In those famed words by the great "theologian" Dr. Seuss (don't email us!), from the Grinch That Stole Christmas:  "And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!  Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!"

Christmas, indeed means a lot more.  The birth of the Savior of the world is what we celebrate, The birth of Jesus has an amazing central truth according to John MacArthur - "The Christmas story is this - The Child of Christmas is God."  He continues, "He was fully human, with all the needs and emotions that are common to us all. Yet He was also fully God--all wise and all powerful."

Think about that. It is almost impossible to fathom that in His immeasurable mercy and grace, the Messiah came to us as a baby, with the matchless purpose to save the world from sin.  There's a catch though.  We can't just know about Him, we must know him personally . . . yes, first hand knowledge. Through His word, through prayer, and through the Holy Spirit working in us.  Second hand knowledge won't do.  

As we rush headlong into the holiday season, let's avoid a "Second Hand Christmas" where we get caught in the hustle and bustle and maybe even, if we're intentional, ponder the story of Christmas.  But don't stop there . . . let's have a direct encounter with the King of Kings and let it be First Hand!