“Last year while at the mall with his mom and grandpa, a four-year-old boy watched as children lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s Son, with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, ‘Where’s the line to see JESUS? If Christmas is JESUS’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more?” (Scott Bayles, preacher, 1st Christian Church, Rosiclare, IL)
Over 2,000 years ago, on that Silent and Holy Night, there was a long and distinguished line leading to JESUS. The angels and shepherds all gathered to see the newborn King in a manger – followed by the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
But, today, where is the line to see JESUS? If Christmas time is the celebration of His birth, then why don’t we see Him more?
More and more lately, we are witnessing less and less of Christ in Christmas. Countless retailers refuse to even acknowledge Christmas. They have taken out the word “Christmas” and replaced it with “Holiday Sale,” “Holiday Trees,” and “Holiday Season.” Instead of people greeting one another in the marketplace with “Merry Christmas,” we hear “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings!”
Where’s Christ?
Where’s Christmas?
Are we not all guilty – at one time or another – of removing Christ from Christmas when we allow ourselves to be swept up in the commercialism of the season at the expense of forgetting the true gift – JESUS? We can almost count on it that one gift or another that we will receive this year won’t fit…will be the wrong color…or will have to be returned or exchanged. But the Precious Gift of God’s Son meets everyone’s need…is the perfect fit…never wears out…and never breaks nor needs repair. It is the most valuable gift of all.
In 2 Corinthians 9:15, the Apostle Paul expressed his gratitude for this “matchless gift” by saying – “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” The Living Bible says it in this way – “Thank God for His Son – His gift too wonderful for words.”
If JESUS is God’s Son (and He is)…and He is the Gift “too wonderful for words” (and He is), then – “Where is the line to see JESUS? If Christmas is JESUS’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more?”
In John 12:20-21, we find a group of men – Greeks – who formed a line of their own to see JESUS. What the wise men from the East represented at the beginning of Christ’s life, these men from the West represented at the end of His life. Coming to Philip, one of JESUS’ disciples, they said – “Sir, we would see JESUS.” They heard much concerning Him – of His doctrine and miracles – and had a desire to be admitted into His Presence and converse with Him.
Are you willing to be like the Greeks and form a “line” to JESUS – with a Great Passion in your heart to “see” Him more clearly and powerfully – so much so that you are able to show Him to others more compellingly?
“Where’s the line to see JESUS?”
Don’t wait for others to form a “line.” Be like the Greeks and determine in your heart that you are going to start your own. With a passion and fire burning in your heart, determine to “see” JESUS in everything that you do during this Christmas season – in the carols sung…cards and packages sent out…hustle and bustle of shopping… parties attended…movies viewed… tree trimmed… tasty food prepared and enjoyed…candles lit with twinkling house lights…family gatherings… gifts given and received…souls brought to Christ… prayers answered…as well as the services attended.
Determine that because it is the celebration of JESUS’ birth, you will “see” Him more than ever – coming away from it all saying –
“When you get right down to it…the only thing that really matters is JESUS!”
May this be your Best Christmas of all!
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano – All Rights Reserved