discovery

rediscover Christmas (part 1 of 4)

summary

When we rediscover Christmas, it's like finding a treasure chest buried in a field that surprises us amidst our regular days and brings hope to our hurried lives.

introduction

In Jingle All the Way (1996), an absent, workaholic father Howard Langston (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) has promised his son the year’s hottest toy, but only decides to purchase the gift on Christmas eve —an impossible dream, and an impossible method of procuring forgiveness, that leads to chaos at a department store.

I can only gasp at the extremes of effort this father goes so to acquire a certain gift for his son.

Brings to mind some parables shared by Jesus:

⁴⁴[Jesus said,] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ⁴⁵“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; ⁴⁶on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46)

When we want something badly enough, we will indeed go to any lengths to find and procure it. The question is: What is truly worthy of such effort?

discovery

The character, played by Schwarzenegger, is propelled by the greed and selfishness of his son, as well as by a yearning for an experience promoted by commercials, seasonal television specials, and sappy Christmas cards. It is a heart-cry that is misguided in its expression.

As we discover in Luke 2:10-14, Christmas is meant to be a celebration of the glory of God, admiration and thanksgiving expressed by all of God’s creation, from the angels to humanity.

With the birth of Jesus, good news, joy, and salvation, and peace are accomplished as they are extended to humanity ‘in real time’; both he and they are gifts of the God who has drawn near.

This blessed peace is of the will as much as of the emotions, so it is experienced by the individual and in relationship with others (a personal and communal reality).

This peace is not limited to a few, as vs. 10 reveals, but is received only by some.

The peace of Coca-Cola’s 1977 Christmas commercial, “I’d Like to Teach The World To Sing”, and John Lennon’s song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, are linked to this peace offered and enabled by God, but cannot identify themselves with it.

The distortion is about getting rather than giving.

The real Christmas is valuable and will be enjoyed for all eternity (Matthew 13:44-46)

Can the same be said for the promises of Santa Claus?

conclusion & response

When we rediscover Christmas, it's like finding a treasure chest buried in a field that surprises us amidst our regular days and brings hope to our hurried lives. The good news of Jesus’ birth makes joy, salvation, and peace possible in our world, not just for one day or for one month, but for all eternity.

Rediscover the Christmas that has been offered to us in the birth of Jesus, rather than that which must be bought (or, at least, put on credit). These gifts are freely given, yet are more precious than silver, more costly than gold, more beautiful than diamonds. What else can compare?

During this season of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas by setting aside to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas so that the blessings of Christmas will become ours. Join with us each Sunday, but also set aside personal and family time to reflect on these concerns, and rediscover Christmas!

sermon delivered by Ian Forest-Jones
at Hurstville Church of Christ
on Sunday, 2 December 2007 at 10am
[email]

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