It’s Christmas. The trees are up and decorated. The music is playing on the radio. People are more cheerful (most of them anyway). The kids look forward to this time every year. They look forward to the gifts, candy, and parties. Houses are lit up to display their ‘Christmas Spirit’. It’s a great time.
Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org
As I read an article posted on Christmas from a fellow blogger (and friend) I remembered something that God revealed to me a couple of years ago. It’s not really revolutionary. In fact it should be something that we remember all the time. Yet in today’s culture some of this has been replaced. I personally don’t want to ever forget this thing.
What is it? Oh, I’m sorry…you don’t know what I’m talking about. As I prepared a couple of years ago for the ‘traditional Christmas sermon’ from Luke 2…God dropped one of His small, life-changing revelations into my heart. Simply put He reminded me that Christmas and Easter are connected. You see we tend to separate holidays, especially ‘religious’ ones. At Christmas time we talk about Christ’s birth. At Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) we talk about his death and resurrection. But the two never intersect. God reminded me that we need to talk about BOTH at the same time.
There are stores and malls that are packed with shoppers trying to find that perfect gift for their loved ones. Some of them buy out of obligation. Others buy out of tradition. Still others buy because their heart is so big that they simply want to give. I believe that attitude mimics the heart of God. We have all quoted John 3:16 more times than we care to imagine. I’ll refresh our memory though. It reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Have we stopped to think about when we quote this the most though? Yep…you guessed it. Easter. Of course we would. It’s the perfect salvation, Easter, Resurrection scripture. It fits that holiday so well. Why wouldn’t we quote it then?
Now…in an effort to be fair we do the same thing at Christmas. Do you remember these verses? “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ (Luke 2:10-12 — NIV)” These verses will be read in countless plays, programs, and houses this Christmas season. They will then be tucked away until next year.
Image Credit: adelaidenow.com.au
Do we realize though that the verses in Luke are the prologue to the verse in John? Without the birth there could be no death and resurrection. Without Christmas we wouldn’t have Easter. The gift of the baby Jesus was just the wrapping on the package. The ultimate gift is when Jesus declared, “It is finished.” At that moment the gift was complete. Our redemption was final.
So I challenge you this season to connect the holidays. Don’t do what we have always done and separate them. It’s good to remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth. But take a moment to remember WHY he was born. Remember that while the gift of the baby is a good one…the purpose of that gift was the death of the man. All of these gifts were given for one purpose. “…not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 — NIV)” Jesus was born so that He could die…for us.
Drawing From the Well 
Reblogged this on "Working for Christ" and commented:
Yes, they are connected!
Thanks for the re-blog, Dave. I appreciate it. Merry Christmas, my friend. In His Service, Jeff
Reblogged this on Everyday Servant and commented:
Finally! Vindication for my secret Christmas “sin”!
OK, it’s not a sin. But every year I find time to sit down and listen to Handel’s Messiah. All of it. The Advent portions and the Easter portions. While listening, I re-read a study guide about the Biblical texts in the Messiah. It takes time. It’s my way of pushing back all the busyness of the season to focus my heart and mind on what really matters.
But here’s my secret “sin” — I can’t stop after the advent portion of the work. I have to push on through the glorious Easter passages.
Finally– Justification for that practice! Read the post below from Jeffrey A. Wilson. How can we consider Christ’s birth without also reflecting on the purpose for which he came,–fulfilled at Easter?
Thanks for the reblog. It is an honor. The interesting thing about this post is that it seems so obvious. It never occurred to me until God dropped that in my heart though. Merry Christmas. In His Service, Jeff
Somehow this did not actually re-post on my blog, so Saturday, I will post a link from http://www.everydayservant.com back to your post.
Isn’t it amazing how many things seem obvious—AFTER God has revealed them to you?
That was very good and I am proud of you—–keep up the good work—-Papa
Thanks! I have to admit that I’m really enjoying writing these. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Jeff
love it. I have often preached Easter at Christmas…. all those years of planning on God’s part wasn’t just for a baby in a manger, but a Saviour on a cross and in hell, for us. Cute baby, crucified and risen Christ, warrior lord of the universe, all part of the same plan. For Us. what could be better than that?
Not much could be better than that. I grew up never making this connection. I’m glad that God dropped it in my heart. I doubt I’ll ever look at Christmas the same way again. Thanks for the comment. In His Service, Jeff
[…] Read the post below from Jeffrey A. Wilson, who says about Christmas and Easter, “They’re connected… […]
Reblogged this on God's group and commented:
Do you connect Christmas with Easter ??
Blessings in Christ, bruce
Thanks for the reblog, Bruce. It is my honor. In His Service, Jeff