Christmas thoughts...

I've been stumped all day trying to figure out what to write on for the apologetics for the UP Frontline bulletin. Funny, huh? I usually can pull out an argument pretty easily. The problem is that Christmas time is the time (especially in the Philippines) where everyone becomes especially focused on Jesus (even those who are anti to the Christian faith tolerate us as much). So it's kind of hard. Where is the deep theological debate about Christianity that needs to be defended when we talk about Christmas?
First of all, no, this is not the article. This is random thoughts to help my mind begin flowing. See, what comes to mind is how everyone says that Christmas is about good will to all men, giving, and loving. And many even say "Jesus is the reason for the season." But do we live like it? It seems whenever Christians talk about Jesus being the reason for the season, they shift and make a very plastic response and even go to the extremes and bash everythign else that is non-manger scene with the holiday. Is this right to do? Don't give me a pat answer. See, Jesus is the reason for the season. But how did the shepherds respond? Did they suddenly become all quiet and sober and walked over. No, they dashed off to find the birth of the Christ! Why is it that in the time that celebrating Jesus is encouraged is the same time that Christians don't go about in joy about Jesus and sharing their excitement? Why can't we just openly talk about Him and what He has done, which we don't even do all year?
The Bible says that one of the fruit of the spirit is Joy. Are we joyful? And I don't mean in our hearts. I mean are we joyful to the point that it is overflowing so that every single person we encounter feels the joy and the love of Christ from each moment of contact we have with them? Do we? Do you?
Can you just imagine what it might have been like on the night of Jesus' birth SPIRITUALLY? Like what happened right there? BAM! Jesus came down. God became man. Why? For us. For me. For you. For you, yes, (insert your name here). It's like if it was a boxing fight, sin was the tough little super feather weight boxer giving us a problem. Then in walks Jesus - UFC super heavy weight champion. He just steps in the ring and you know it is over. It's a time to celebrate. To just know that your savior is here, that the end has come, that victory is back. To have the long wait over. It must be like the joy someone has when they meet the person they are going to marry. This is it. The wait is over. And it was worth it. Jesus could have come down as a guy 30 years old and have been teh mysterious travelr who walked into town like a western. But no, he came as a baby. Humble beginnings physically, but he was always God and fully God the entire time. the angels went nuts! Can you imagine how the shpehreds felt? Just seeing Angels go crazy cheering and singing and praising God for how awesome He is. This is it! This is the time! Celebrate for yoru Lord has returned! All of creation had been waiting since the fall for Christ to come. And He came.
Have you ever seen The Matrix? I liked the way Tank said it when he said that, "If Morpheus is right and you're the one? Man, these are exciting times." These are exciting times. ]
So let us celebrate and tell everyone WHy we are celebrating. And how do we celebrate? by letting our joy for the Lord and our love overflow to EVERYONE - whether in gifts or in kindness, but firstly in sharing to others what God has done for us.