Christ is Born!
Christmas Eve - 12/24/2024
Luke 2:1-7
Rev. Christopher W. Brademeyer
That portion from God’s holy Word for consideration this evening is our sixth reading from St. Luke’s first chapter with special emphasis on verses six and seven which read as follows:
And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”[1]
Thus far the Scriptures.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It is Christmas once again. And, as every year, there is a strong wave of sentimentality that comes with this season. Most, if not all of us, have fond memories of Christmas: gifts that we loved, doing things with people that we care about, eating special holiday foods, seasonal movies, decorations and lights, and all kinds of other things. Now this sentimentality is not bad. After all, there is much during this time of the year for us to enjoy. But what is often downplayed or even forgotten is the source of all these customs and traditions that we recall fondly.
That is to say, Christmas is first and foremost a holiday meant for us to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus of Nazareth into the world. And this is no mere birth, it is the birth, the greatest and most singular birth in all of human history. This child is no mere human being, no mere mortal, no simple religious teacher, guru, or prophet. He is so much more than all these things. This child, born of the Virgin Mary, is God Himself, come into the flesh. God Himself made a human being. God Himself come to save us. It cannot be overstated how important and pivotal this event is in human history. It is the basis for our hope for a future where sin, death, disease, and evil do not win. It is the basis for our hope of being restored to God in salvation. It is the basis of our hope that we will not perish in sin but will be given forgiveness and life everlasting.
Compare this for what the general society sells us as “Christmas.” They emphasize generosity, family, community, and kindness. These are not bad things. No Christian can be against such, after all, these are all either good gifts from God or commands to us Christians. But without Christ, they are incomplete, they are empty. That is to say, they do not have the full meaning and depth that God would have them be. Without Christ, generosity is temporary and, ultimately, pointless. Why? Because human generosity does not change the human condition. Sure, some small suffering may be alleviated, but it does not alter human nature for the better or eliminate poverty or suffering on a wide scale. The generosity that does eliminate these things, the one that informs and serves as a foundation for our lesser generosity is that of God to us, where He gave His Son to become a man and be born of Mary to suffer and die for our salvation. Without this, all generosity is shallow and temporary.
The same can be said of family or community or kindness. Yes, these are certainly good, but they are small in the grand scheme of things. Even relationships of many decades are but a grain of sand on the vast ocean of time. What are such things in the face of eternity? Without Christ, they are shown to be the small and temporary things that they are. But in Christ, we have family and community that last forever. Because of Christ and His kindness shown to us to suffer and die for our forgiveness and life and salvation, our smaller acts of kindness find root and foundation and are not swept away with the changing of the seasons. For Christ is eternal, He lasts forever, and all that is built on Him as the good foundation likewise endures through this age and unto the everlasting Kingdom of righteousness.
While these things are not incompatible in and of themselves, the present age sets up two distinct things that we call “Christmas.” One is the sentimental family holiday, the other a triumphant celebration that our Savior, God Himself, has come into the world to redeem us and make us His own. This latter thing is foundational to what Christmas is and without it there can be no real merriment or joy or festivity. Why not? Because if Christ is not come, there is no forgiveness for sin. If Christ is not come, there is no resurrection from death to life everlasting. If Christ is not come, there is no cause for joy greater than the horrors of sin, death, and the devil.
The good news for you this day is that Christ has come. He has taken on Himself our sins and infirmities. He has put them to death. Christ is born to save. Christ is born to die for us sinners. Christ is born and now we have the greatest of joys imaginable! The work of Christ lasts beyond this life and into eternity. What other thing is there that can claim this? Only Christ!
So for this reason, we celebrate. This is why we hang the lights, to remind us of the true Light come into the world, Jesus Christ. This is why we set up and decorate Christmas trees, to remind us of the one who was put to death on the tree and who lived again, as we are reminded by the green branches and the shape which points to heaven. This is why we exchange gifts, to remind us of the greatest gift of all, Christ the Lord, our Savior. This is why we feast on holiday treats, to remind us of the feast of the Lamb yet to come in heaven. This is why we gather with friends and families to celebrate and rejoice and enjoy one another’s company.
Everything turns on Christ and His coming into this world to save us. So, make merry dear friends. Celebrate, have eggnog, open presents! And while doing all this, remember the One who gave Himself for you, to save you, to redeem you, to overcome death for you: Jesus Christ the Lord.
As Christ, God has become man so that men might be united to God. As Christ, God has be come sin to overthrow sin for us sinners. As Christ, God has been put to death to put death to death for us.
And while we do not often stop to mediate on these things at Christmas, we must not forget them. Because of Christ, we have truly the reason to be merry and to celebrate this season.
Merry Christmas.
In the holy Name of + Jesus. Amen.
The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[1] Luke 2:6-7 English Standard Version
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