The Language of Christmas

In Christian culture, I hear a lot of should’s and shouldn’t’s, and too many I need to’s and I can’t’s. I hear it in my own words and in the words of others. My ears have become attuned to shame-based statements cloaked in Christian-ese, parading as self-awareness or false humility.

But when I read the Gospel Story, I encounter a different perspective. I hear Jesus’ invitation to follow him, rather than to become a slave to doing better.

The language of Christmas is invitational; it elicits worship, not compulsion. The call I hear in the Christmas story (and throughout the Gospels) is to rest - not perform. I think that’s one reason I love the old hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Come, All Ye Faithful. These, and others, remind me that following Christ is a bidding, not a subpoena. Awaiting, instead of rushing.

If we have ears to hear through all the noise of lesser things, this is the invitation Christmas offers us. Just take a moment to listen, slowly, without scrolling to the next thing…

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:14 & 16)

Jesus “saw two brothers…casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:18-19)

“Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them…‘Come and you will see.” (John 1:38-39)

“Andrew…found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).” (John 1:40-41)

“The next day Jesus…found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.” (John 1:43)

“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him…Jesus of Nazareth…Come and see.” (John 1:45-46)

[All scripture is from the ESV translation.]

Jesus invites us to follow him; he doesn’t coerce, harass, or shame.

Yes, he calls out injustice and hypocrisy, especially in those who claim to follow God but fail to reflect God’s goodness, and he rebukes those who mistreat and abuse his people. But to those who accept the invitation to follow him, he gently says, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)

To those who grieve, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

To those who struggle to believe, he says, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

To those who love Jesus and are grateful for the mercy he offers, he says, “Your sins are forgiven…go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50)

As I sit in the stillness of early, darkened morning surrounded by Christmas lights reminding me of the one, true Light, I’m grateful there’s an invitation which calls out even now, even here.

No matter what season I’m in - whether seasons of grief, joy, apathy or fervor - God calls me to participate in his life through Jesus. A life of abiding, not striving; of merciful grace, not shameful condemnation.

An invitation to reflect his character and glory, right where I’m at.

Will I hear? Will I answer?

Not should I, but will I?

An Early Morning Wrestle
     He said, "Do not fear."
     But I said, "Do this and that."
     He said, "Rest near me."
     But I said, "There's no
     time. Don't you see all I must
     do for you?" He said,
     "My child, you're enough.
     I did not die to use you.
     I died to love you."