THE POLITICS OF CHRISTMAS

THE POLITICS OF CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2:1-7

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

           Dr. Charles Stanley said: “At best, government is second best. At worst, government is stifling, stripping away human worth.” When we situate Christmas within it’s real political climate things turn grey and cold. We feel the fear of travel, the pain of Mary’s pregnancy riding on a donkey, and the uncaring of Bethlehem already bloated with those others who were also forced from their homes.

           We still have Sadducees among us. There are those who wear the robes of religion but who are, in fact, nothing more than a political party that does not believe in the supernatural and whose goals are to please those in authority for the purpose of peace and prosperity. They challenge no sin and present no solution for it.

           We still have Pharisees. These are the super saints who strain at gnats and swallow camels. They see sin in everything and their solution is as oppressive as sin’s consequences. The absence of grace is abysmal. Their robes are as black as their heart. Their reward is their own self aggrandizement.

           We still have oppressive governments. The worth of the individual has been stolen and given to the vast pool of takers who are never satisfied with the taking. Government makes promises it cannot fulfill. The little that it does provide costs more and more and the discomfort it produces grows to a miserable level.

           Into this cold and grey existence comes a baby but not just any baby. This is the very Son of God and God the Son! He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords although He rests in a bed of straw in the only silence and comfort that Joseph could procure. The soft light pours over mother and child while angels sing hallelujah!

Matt 4:16

16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Dear Lord, the world is still cold, grey, and uncaring. Oh, how we need you to burst forth into our darkness. Shine your light upon us we pray. AMEN