The Reason

Well, here it is, scant but a few days before we celebrate the birth of Christ the King. I unlike many, bristle at the sound of many of the traditional Christmas songs, hymns and carols that I have grown up with. Never a traditionalist, I prefer the sound of Trans Siberian Orchestra, or Manheim Steamroller over the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I much would rather listen to new age renditions of even the most uplifting old school favorites. So keeping that in mind, as I listen this morning striving for a bit of the spirit, a Bob Seeger (and the Silver Bullit Band) version of Little Drummer Boy, I found what I needed.

The music and lyrics were the same as before but was heard today with crystal quality, wow. This is gut wrench time, when we have shopped till we dropped, found and explored every possibility to provide the perfect gift. We have lulled ourselves into a frenzied stupor, when all we ever have to do is give ourselves. I proudly wear a button during this season proclaiming Jesus as the reason for the season.

I am curiously drawn to Biblical renditions of the Christmas story, whereas the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. “Our finest gifts we bring”, cries the lyrics of the song, would they be enough? The song answers the question, ” I have no gift to bring, that’s fit to give a King”……

For unto us on this day a child is born, and they shall call Him, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace….. While we struggle to find the gifts that will be enough for our less then divinical sons and daughters, what gift could be given to suit the child that will save the entire society from the deeds of their sins?

For my faith you cannot speak of Christ’s birth as a single event because it is the essence of all that we are. It is the gift from God of eternal life, only made complete in His dying for us on the Cross. What gift then is suitable for this child, gold, frankincense, myrrh, a bicycle, ipod, skates or new baseball glove?

“I have no gift to bring, that’s fit for a King! Not my every very best effort, not all the giving that I might do, not all the serving that I offer, nothing I do even begins to appreciate what Christ Jesus, the babe born in a manger, has done for me. We read and study the Bible, we share the peace of our hearts with others and we confess that we are sinners, and oh, how we sin.

We celebrate His birth this week, and rightfully we should, it is the most profound, solemn and sobering thing that ever has happened, while also being the most uplifting, splendiferous, exalting phenomenon for people of faith, for it epitomizes the gift of hope. There is nothing more convicting or resolving then the gift of hope in Him. Without it, there is no meaning to anything that happens, with it, everything is explained and accepted.

When the wrapping of the past month’s efforts is bagged and tossed away, when all the excitement dies down and the decorations get stored again for next year, maybe then will it hit. Maybe then the gift of the everlasting kingdom’s significance will reign over you. Jesus is not only the reason for this season, He is the reason for every season…..