Kindersley Christian Fellowship: The heart of Christmas
Some of you may remember watching Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Linus walks on stage, dragging his blanket behind him and recites these verses from the Bible: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Then Linus tromps off the stage, heads toward Charlie Brown and says, “And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Today, many of the traditional celebrations and entertainment have sadly removed the birth of Jesus. Nevertheless, Linus was right: Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth led to the redemption that was to come as he walked on this earth creating the salvation message as he sacrificed himself on the cross for the salvation of those who confess him as Lord and Saviour.
Traditionally, we think about Jesus being born in a barn, but it was more likely that he was born in a cave where animals were kept and was laid in a trough. Whether it was a barn or a cave, Jesus was born in a very humble place.
The religious leaders of the day expected the Messiah to come in his glory; instead he was born to be a servant and humble of heart. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” The word meekness in the Bible was interpreted as being humble of heart.
People who are humble are often found in places that aren’t highly esteemed, and generally aren’t expected to gain an inheritance. Humble people aren’t looking for the limelight or seeking praise, yet they’re thankful. The heart of humility is not only serving but being thankful for all things and giving God thanks. The two characteristics go together. While serving, we should be humble and thankful for the opportunity to serve others.
A key message delivered by Jesus Christ was to consider other people more important than ourselves. This is in direct contrast to human nature, which tends to put ourselves first. However, when we put others first, we find the blessings of God pour forth abundantly simply because we aren’t consumed with our own needs and wants.
It’s an enduring message, a message that requires self-sacrifice, but a message that ultimately leads to joy.
Pastors Dana and Marge Bailey, along with everyone at Kindersley Christian Fellowship, join in praying for blessings for this season in your life and for the seasons to come. We pray you’ll have peace in place of loss, that you’ll be comforted in times of trial, and you will know the pleasures of being humble and serving others.