Blame It On The Kid - Sunday, December 14, 2014
Got your Christmas shopping done? Tree up? I've been in two parades, saw one Christmas program, and put up some decorations. Christmas day is approaching fast so you better get ready for the celebration.
What exactly are we celebrating? The birthday of Jesus right? Yup. We are celebrating the day He came to earth and was born. But it goes further than that.
We are celebrating Him coming to die on a cross to provide a way to Heaven. (Ok, I'll probably make some people mad at this point). But it's not just "a" way, it's the ONLY way.
Don't get mad at me. Blame it on the kid in the manger. He's the one who said it. Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth, THE life". He went on to say, "no one comes to the Father except through me".
Again, not to stir up anger, but to warn in love. If you believe there is more than one way to Heaven, you aren't a Christian. (Don't blame me, blame the kid in the manger).
And let's try this one on for size. The cross, (that thing the kid in the manger died on), radically disrupts the very center and citadel of your life from self to Christ. And if the cross has not done that, you're not a Christian.
Though the kid didn't make that quote, He did say "not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven". We don't become Christians by good works, but if we are Christians, we will follow Christ as a general practice and lifestyle.
So while we are wrapping and unwrapping gifts, eating Christmas dinners, going to Christmas parties, etc., etc., remember who's birthday we are celebrating. And if you think I'm narrow minded for saying all of this than don't celebrate the birthday of the one I'm quoting. Put your decorations away and blame it on the kid in the manger.
Oh, both He and I say there's one way in a loving hope that you will find Him, trust Him and become His child. Only then will you experience that "peace on earth" that He was talking about. It's a peace knowing you have been forgiven and become His child.