Christmas  
a time for reflection
By: Pastor Max Solbrekken

It’s almost impossible to find people who aren’t excited about Christmas!

Young and old alike love this special time of the year; the rich and poor, businessmen, students, government officials and the elderly; the Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Jew!

Why? Christmas offers something for everyone!

A time of spiritual fulfillment and reflection, family reunion, fun and holidays, gifts, extra business and even a time to fall in love!

I’ve always cherished Christmas with all the festivities, services and caring-sharing spirit that accompanies it.

I know there are people who say Christmas was borrowed from a pagan ritual, that Christ wasn’t born on December 25, and the Christmas tree is of pagan origin.

The Watchtower Society, Jehovah Witnesses and Herbert W. Armstrong’s followers strongly disagree with Christendom on these points.

Most Bible scholars will agree that Jesus Christ was born in September or October, in 4 or 5 B.C. and that December 25 was in fact the date of an ancient Roman festival.

MARTIN LUTHER INTRODUCED CHRISTMAS TREE!

We’ll have to blame Dr. Martin Luther for the Christmas tree, and possibly the carol ‘Away In A Manger’ which was originally known as ‘Luther’s Cradle Hymn’. Modern research says it may be of American authorship appearing first in the ‘Little Children’s Book’ published in Philadelphia in 1885, with a third verse added later by a Methodist minister, Dr. John T. McFarland.

The Protestant Reformation however, injected joy and happiness into the usual dull, somber services!

The J.W.’s aren’t too reliable with their dates anyway, having prophesied the Second Coming of Christ to take place on numerous occasions, 1948 being the last one!

Their prediction that the ‘End of the World’ would occur in 1975, caused thousands of their members to leave that cult!

And a few years ago the Michael Jackson-Second-Coming-Cult was gaining ground among Jehovah’s Witnesses, and only some of Herbert W. Armstrong’s followers actually believe that the gospel wasn’t preached until 1934, when he began his ministry!

If old Herbert made it to heaven, he’ll have a lot of explaining to do to Martin Luther, John Wesley, D.L. Moody and Jesus Christ!

CHRISTMAS IMPRESSES ME!

I enjoy giving gifts to my family and friends, and also receiving a few. I love the Christmas cards, turkey dinner, family get-togethers and worship services.

Maybe I’m sentimental, but Christmas means a lot to me! I’m thankful I do not live in Saudi Arabia, Iran or North Korea. I’m glad I’m a Canadian and a Christian!

I salute the governments of our nation (federal, provincial and municipal) for respecting and honoring the birth of Christ.

As for the gift-giving, we’ll have to credit Almighty God for starting it all by giving His “only begotten Son” to the world, and to the wise men for bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ-child.

The message of the angels has brought comfort and hope to millions down through the centuries. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

Mankind hopes sincerely and desires peace! We all need inner peace during the turmoil around us; peace in our hearts, homes and communities!

And peace among nations!

CHRIST IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

Is peace possible, when you consider the staggering workload of pastors, psychologists and psychiatrists; with the frightening level of mental illness and nervous breakdown?

Is it possible to have peace in view of the increase of murders, abortion, rape, incest and other violent crime?

Unfortunately, violence has become a staple in our daily lives from violent scenes on our TV screens in the movies and even on children’s cartoons as well as domestically!

Child abuse, incest and violence in the home, is often sparked by things like pornography, sexual perversion, triggered by drunkenness and drug abuse!

Can peace invade the hearts and homes of vulgar, blasphemous and ungodly pot-smoking, heroin-taking, wife-beating, incestuous people? Is it possible for a change to occur in their lives?

The answer is a definite, “YES”! Jesus Christ is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and ‘Life’s Great Champion’. His love for the fearful, sinful, absurd and hurting is awesome and an absolute reality!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”. (John 14:27)

The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. (2 Cor. 5:17)

JESUS IS MASTER OVER EVERY SITUATION!

Is world peace possible - even after the breakup of the Soviet Union - when you consider the powder keg that exists in Bosnia, Chechnyia and Northern Ireland?

Russia’s instability - with an enormous stock pile of nuclear weapons - growing tension in the Middle East and the increasing possibility of human error and miscalculation, adds to the problem!

Humanly speaking, it appears like an impossibility, unless there is divine intervention! Mankind has proven that we cannot govern ourselves properly. Greed, hatred, bigotry and strife is consuming the human race!

We all exult in the message of the angel band on the Judean hillsides that first Christmas morn but many have failed to listen to the entire message.

“Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

The question I pose is, “Have we expected Him to bring peace to earth and goodwill toward men, without us giving glory to God?”

The world - by and large - has rejected Him as Savior and Lord and will continue to do so until He comes. How terribly sad and unfortunate!

Jesus Christ will return in power to rapture those who trust in Him and bring judgment upon the enemies of God and righteousness.

THE DEVIL WILL THEN BE BOUND AND PEACE WILL REIGN!

Until we invite Christ into the UN in New York and the nations of the world recognize His Lordship, strifes, confrontation and war is inevitable and will continue to escalate!!

THOSE WHO RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST INTO THEIR LIVES EXPERIENCE A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION AND HEALING. WHEN THIS BEGINS TO HAPPEN ON A LARGE SCALE, OUR COMMUNITIES WILL CHANGE; BECAUSE HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season!
HAVE A SAFE, PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON