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THE GIFT OR THE WRAPPINGS?
Author : Dorothy Murfin
THE GIFT OR THE WRAPPINGS?
The Christmas story is one that has attracted the attention of all ages, races and classes. Though two thousand years old, it has lost none of its freshness, fragrance or force and stories, legends and traditions about it are remembered and retold yearly. It is generally celebrated by feasting, merry-making and re-unions of friends and families. If the accessories to Christmas are so enjoyable, how much more must the message itself be? If the wrappings are so exquisite, how much more exquisite the actual gift? Turning to the authentic source of information, the Bible, let us consider the important implications of the Christmas message.
1. THE SAVIOR WHO WAS SENT:
Scripturally the story is summed up in the angelic statement, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”, (Luke 2:11). Consider the last three words, “Christ the Lord”. If He is not Divine, belief in Him is untenable and futile. If His deity is denied, Jesus Christ stands as the unanswerable mystery of the ages for no other leader ever made such claims as He nor spoke with such profound wisdom. His ethical purity, prayerfulness, spiritual insight, calmness, teachings, miracles and life cannot be understood or explained except by acknowledging His deity. Skeptics may attack portions of the Bible but only the most bigoted and extravagant dare criticize the Christ Himself. Indeed, at least three noted Christian writers have compiled impressive records of the tributes paid to the person of Christ by critics of Bible teachings. For example, hear the statement of David Friedrich Strauss: “Christ is the highest object we can possibly imagine with respect to religion, the Being without whose presence in the mind perfect piety is impossible.” Other tributes by skeptic leaders, kings and commoners could be added ad infinitum. History, particularly the writings of Josephus, confirms His authenticity and both internal and external evidences corroborate Biblical assertions concerning Him. Positive study of His birth, person, life, death and resurrection will show beyond doubt that the Savior of whom the angels spake was indeed “Christ the Lord”.
2. Consider now: THE SENDING OF THE SAVIOR:
Many overlook the fact that the coming of Christ was fulfillment of prophecy, but examination of the Biblical record reveals that the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah are the bases for apostolic claims of His deity. Again and again the expression “as it is written” occurs in the New Testament and early believers “searched the Scriptures” (obviously the Old Testament) daily, to see whether those things were so (see Acts 17:11). The woman at the well of Samaria in John 4 said, “I know the Messiah cometh”! Orthodox Jews are still looking for the coming of the Messiah.
Furthermore, His coming was perfectly timed! He came when the sin and immorality of the Roman Empire and the world were descending to their lowest depths. He came when there was one universal language, Latin; one world empire, Rome; one interconnected communication system, the famous Roman roads; and when other essentials for rapid spreading of the Gospel were present. Truly, “When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4).
3. Look now at THE SALVATION FOR THE SINFUL:
The angels stated, “He shall save His people from their sins”. Christ did not come to make peace on earth. He said, “I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). He did not come merely to show us how to live for He always referred to the law and prophets as the standard (Matthew 5:17). He did not come to clean up the world and be crowned King for He prophesied that “iniquity shall abound” and foretold His own death (Mark 10: 33, 34). No! He came for the express purpose of saving “His people from their sins”! He was born to die. The Babe of Bethlehem became the Man of Calvary and over the manger crib was the shadow of the cross, for “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). No wonder the angels praised God and Mary rejoiced and the angels praised God and shepherds bowed! No marvel that Joseph and Mary rejoiced and the wise men came and worshipped! No mystery then, as to why this story has endured through the ages “in spite of dungeon, fire and sword”! Today a warsick, blood-drenched, strife-torn world would do well to listen, ponder and accept the message of the angelic chorus: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. In the light of this, how strange it is to find men’s hearts have not changed. The world celebrates His birthday, but He is not invited – Christ is the forgotten One at Christmas! But if hearts have not changed, neither has the truth that, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME.” (John 1: 11, 12). To refuse a gift is to insult the giver. “The Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Will you receive God’s Gift?
~ Dorothy J. Murfin
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