It is finally that time of year when it is now again socially acceptable to start watching Christmas movies and there are a lot to choose from. Personally, however, I think “the Grinch” is by far one of the best movies in this genre, for two reasons: Firstly, because the main character is deeply relatable and secondly, the movie poses the profound idea that perhaps there is more to Christmas than simply gifts and food.
For Christians this concept rings true; for us, Christmas has a deeply profound truth at its heart. You see we live in a deeply broken world and we are broken people who contribute daily to its shattered nature (Romans 3:10). If you don’t believe me, turn on the news tonight or even attend more family dinners this festive season. Sadly, this imperfection in us all has led to a separation of God from humanity (Romans 3:23). As imperfection and perfection cannot exist in the same space.
However, this same God who hung every star in the sky, who holds the very universe in which we live together, He didn’t want to be separated from you or me, He wanted to have a relationship with us. A relationship through which we can finally experience true peace, love and purpose. And so, to reconcile us to himself, God out of his divine love and mercy came down into our reality through Jesus (John 3:16). To go to wage war against this broken world, to live the perfect life each of us fails to live and to eventually bear the punishment we all deserved (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
In doing all this Christ has made it possible for us to have a relationship with God, he is offering us a gift. A gift of new life, of new beginnings, of new promises, of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17). This gift is free and is yours to be accepted if you believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
And so, to summarise, at Christmas we as believers remember the birth of Jesus, our saviour, the one who made everything I have spoken about today possible! I challenge you this Christmas as you celebrate with family and friends not to forget the amazing gift of grace you have been offered or maybe have already received from God through faith in Christ.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God bless you all and Merry Christmas
Sam Anderson, Youth and Young Adults Pastor 1Church
