My Thoughts on Christmas

Here are my thought transcribed that I will share this weekend at my church on the Meaning of Christmas:

As we sing songs, buy gifts, spend time with family, and run, run, run; we can easily miss the meaning and reason of Christmas.

So for a brief moment this morning, let us refocus on what Christmas is truly about. Let us remember the meaning and reason that make this one of the most unique and celebrated holidays in the world.

The Meaning:
Luke 2:10-11 “ But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The meaning is three fold:
1. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is GOOD NEWS
2. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD brings GREAT JOY
3. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is for ALL PEOPLE

The meaning of Christmas is best understood as God revealing himself completely to us in his son, Jesus.

Just as there is a meaning to Christmas there is also a reason:

The Reason:
Matthew 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Sometimes we miss the deep value of this phrase. At the time Jesus was born, Israel had lost hope. The prophecies of the Old Testament had yet to be fulfilled. The Messiah had not yet come.

As was the history of Israel they were in a time of exile, ruled by Roman law. Caesar lorded over the people of God as supreme. Caesar Augustus was hailed by the senate as God and legend of his virgin birth and the peace and good news he would bring to Rome surrounded his life. But Jesus, not Caesar, was the true son of God. Jesus came to lead his people out of exile and bondage.

Therefore, the REASON of Christmas is the story of Reconciliation and Celebration.

Reconciliation: Through Jesus, God reconciled the world back to him. Remember, it was GOOD NEWS to ALL PEOPLE. Through Jesus, the Savior, God SAVED HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.

Jesus would break the chains of Roman domination by ushering in the Kingdom of God.

Exile would be no more, for Jesus would be King of a Kingdom that has no end (Luke 1:33).

Celebration: So, We celebrate this time of year because of that HOPE. A HOPE that springs from a life that began in a manger.

Jesus Christ’s amazing birth is the beginning of the story of HOPE. HOPE that God will restore us. HOPE that brings GOOD NEWS. HOPE that Jesus will SAVE HIS PEOPLE and welcome us into a KINGDOM that has NO END.

There is a reason we celebrate and that reason is Christ the King:

There’s a reason that the lights are shining.
There’s a reason that the wreaths are hung.

There’s a reason that songs of joy
and peace are being sung.

There’s a reason for the celebration.
There’s a reason that the silver bells ring.

There’s a reason for the season
and the reason is Christ the King.

Enjoy thinking on these things, or as Mary did...maybe pondering them in your heart. Merry Christmas to all my readers!

The Future of Pentecostalism

I find myself warmed on a cold winter day as I continue to read and hear about the reform of my denomination. I am an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. As a Pentecostal (and this would apply to many of my Charasmatic friends), we know that younger leadership has always played a vital role.

The YOUNGER MINISTER'S TASK FORCE report that was submitted to the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in August of this year had this as one of its many interesting focal points:

"Agnes Ozman was 30 years old when she spoke with tongues on January 1, 1901 at Charles F. Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas. Parham was 27 years old when he experienced the outpouring of the Spirit. William J. Seymour was 35 years old when the Azusa Street revival broke out in 1906. J. Roswell Flower was 25 years old when elected Secretary (General Secretary) in 1914, and Chairman (General Superintendent) E.N. Bell was 47. From the earliest stages, our Pentecostal movement engaged young people in key leadership roles."

As seasoned ministers become authentic with younger ministers, we will be able to continue the dialog about what the next generation of Pentecostal leaders will look like. I am excited for the future of a denomination that is willing to ask hard questions, seek innovative ways to train their young leaders, and reform in ways that are kingdom-minded and not just denominationally minded.

As Chris Tomlin sings, "Greater Days are yet to come; Greater things are still to be done in our cities" For this, I praise the LORD Jesus Chirst!