God was willing to "be man" so that we might "be Christ" in this world.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us; so that we might have the Word dwell in our flesh as we dwell in this world.
Christmas is a story of great humility, love and sacrifice (God being born to humanity as a baby in the lowest of circumstances)--all so that humanity might know the love of God in Jesus. (through His ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life for us)
Today, followers of Jesus are asked to live lives of humility, love and sacrifice so that this world may continue to know the love of God through Jesus.
However, we get sucked into a celebration of Christmas that largely ignores the purpose of Jesus coming (even though we may "acknowledge Christ-in-Christmas all season long!")--and therefore we miss the purpose of His Spirit-filled-followers remaining on earth.
For followers of Jesus, our lives should be markedly different than the world. This should be reflected in how and why we celebrate Christmas...It is NOT about gifts and food and parties. (Though those are all good thing to be enjoyed, and Jesus surely did!) It is NOT primarily family and friends (though I love family and friends).
A follower of Jesus is called to BRING JESUS into our world. This must mean more than putting up a sign on our lawn, or a button on our coat--it should cost us more than that, for it cost Jesus more than that! Take note of His sacrifice and humility in order to bring the love of God to you. Is your celebration of Christmas (and more importantly your life in general) looking anything like the coming of Jesus into our world?
Enjoy the food, drink, family and friends during these days of rest and celebration -- for there "is a time for all things" and rest and celebration is one of them. But in so doing, don't ignore--and don't fail to live in such a way that truly remembers the One who took on flesh and dwelt among us so that you may be filled with Him, so that His presence would continue in this world!
