I have decided over the next few days to share some thoughts related to the theme of Christmas. There are many profound things that could be said about this special time of year. What I want to zero in on right now is the one aspect of Christmas that is the most foundational and significant. And that is God becoming a human being. And not only that, it is also about God dying as a human being. This is the most amazing aspect of Christmas, and it is also the heart of Christianity. But let us now focus on the implications of this all important idea. The incarnation of Christ is a radical and absurd concept to those outside the faith. It is totally incomprehensible and ridiculous. But that is what attracts me to the message. I want to believe in something radically different, something that challenges our usual expectations of how the world is supposed to operate. But the fact that people can believe in it boggles the mind of the skeptical materialist. Such people argue that it is only prudent and sensible to believe what is logical, predictable, and provable. Therefore the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ are in the category of fairytales and mythology. But I would counter that it is certainly more radical and incomprehensible than any fairytale. The reason millions still declare their allegiance to this faith is because they desire something beyond the ordinary and mundane. I believe each of us are born with a deep awareness inside of us that there is some incredible truth in this universe that is utterly beyond belief. It is not weakness to believe in this, but requires the greatest courage and discipline. Let us not ever be ashamed of what others may say for believing in this wonderful idea. This is what Christmas is really about.
Posted by: Douglas Mehling | December 22, 2007
The absurdity of Christmas
Posted in Main, Perspectives | Tags: Christmas, incarnation
Doug,
This is a hard blog to reply to! I just didn’t know how I should comment to it, or what would be a witty or a wise reply that would reflect the wisdom of my rapidly advancing years.
I went around the house looking for anything that related to Christmas. Starting with the dictionary, then on to reading commentaries on the virgin birth of Christ, books, movies, children’s stories, anything that reflected on Christmas in anyway, even “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
One thing stood out in my mind, there’s no well defined explanation of Christmas and what it means, everyone seems to have a different idea about it. However, I did find a common theme though out the fact and fiction about this holiday, Christmas was about “the gift”.
Like you, I am astounded to think that Christ would leave one of the highest thrones in the universe to come to this speck of a plant to be humiliated, beaten, spat on, and eventually but to death for our salvation. This was “the gift” of all times. To me, actions always speak louder than words. His words should have been enough but His actions leaves absolutely no doubt as to His love.
While differences abound, everyone has a slightly different take on what Christmas is all about. Every year our preacher’s are concerned that we’ll get all wrapped up in the commercial aspect of the season and forget the real meaning so the sermons are repeated year after year.
Actually I think it’s good for us to give all we can. It becomes symbolical of that gift that was given to mankind just a little over two thousand years ago. While our gifts pales in comparison, it helps to remind us what it is like to be the giver. But there is one thing I feel we do often forget and that is how to be the gracious recipients.
If we can not learn to accept these gifts, then they becomes meaningless. The fact that we participate in these season rituals shows our faith, our belief in Christmas, and our gratitude for that great gift.
By: Jhan on December 25, 2007
at 6:13 pm