Here it is, December 23 and we are staring at Christmas Day less than 48 hours away. We are anticipating this day in different ways. For instance, to my seven year old son, Christmas is still miles away. The anxious anticipation of the coming of Christmas and the potential for gifts abound in his little mind. Now, don’t get me wrong, we explain what the emphasis of Christmas should be on, but let’s be honest, he’s seven. As for me and my wife, we have gone over the list 432,000 times making sure all the gifts are bought, I am going in to the office tomorrow to get some things done before the Christmas Eve Service, and Jan has some business in Knoxville to attend to. To others, it’s a very lonely time. My Mother-in-law, her sister, and her brother will be spending their first Christmas without their mother. Others will struggle to provide for families and countless people no longer have families to go to. Still yet, there are people counting down to what they believe is the celebration of the single greatest event in human history- the birth of our Savior.
This is an interesting argument (debate) that if you have been a pastor for any amount of time have probably had to answer: which is the greatest even in human history? The birth of Christ or the resurrection of Christ? On the one hand, people say that Easter is the greatest event and that without it, we would not have salvation and redemption from hell. In which the other side replies, that without the birth of Jesus there would be no Easter to celebrate. So, in the spirit of decisiveness and consistency with scripture, I will once and for all decide this issue (ok- I realize that I’m not important enough to say that, but it sounded good) and by once and for all I mean I will humbly give you my opinion. So, the answer- which is greater, Christmas or Easter………….wait for it.. ………..Yes!!!!!!
Now, before you start accusing me of being political and playing it safe (too late right), let me give you my perspective on this. I am confused as to why there is such a distinction between the two events. I mean let’s take a look at the differences, One happens in December, the other in March or April. One celebrates the birth of Christ, the other celebrates the death and resurrection. One celebrates the coming of a savior, the other celebrates the promise that He will again return one day. Somewhat vast differences during two different times 33 years apart. I think, however, the biggest mistake that we make as Christians is seeing these as two separate events to be compared, when in all actuality, it is one event. One constant plan by God the Father to save His broken, sinful people. We should celebrate non-stop. The birth of our Christ means that He was sent to die. He was sent to redeem. He was sent to save. The death of Christ means that we are cleansed, we are blood bought, and Christ is coming back. Revelation 1:8 reminds us that. “I am the alpha and the omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” To me, that is not separate incidents or events, to me that sounds like Christ is still in the midst of His plan, a plan that was continuous since before the birth, to today. John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” The Word is Jesus, Revelation 19 identifies it as his name as He returns riding the white horse. Since the beginning, through now, and on into the future when He returns, this has been one solitary event. I say solitary because only He could pull this off.
When we celebrate Christmas, we are also celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus. This spring, when we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the lowly entry into the world by our Savior and how when He returns, He will leave no doubt. So, again I say, which is the greatest event- Christmas or Easter? I answer with a resounding YES!!!!!!
In Christ Alone,
Rev. Bro. Coach
RBC 