By Scott Johnson
We hear this a lot, "Christmas--The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"! This is true for some yet not true for many others. One statement, however, is true for everyone: Christmas--The Most Illogical Time of the Year. Let me explain....
Poor Zacharias was a man of logic. You can't blame him. He and Elisabeth were both old and up in years. She was barren and the thought of having a baby had long since passed from even their imagination. Logic prevailed even when a spectacular announcement for a birth came to him in private inside the Temple: Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel said to him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (Luk 1:18-19 NIV) Not believing the illogical and holding to logic has its consequences: (Gabriel speaking) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time." (Luk 1:20 NIV)
Everything about Christmas is illogical. There was no logic for Wise men and Kings to set out and follow a star for two years from the vast corners of earth. There was no logic for Shepherds to see Angels suspended in the air at midnight in their pasture and run to Bethlehem as instructed. There was no logic, of course, for Mary to be with child although she never "Knew" Joseph! There was no logic for God's appointed time to be met with a no vacancy sign in Bethlehem and no logic for a King to be born in a stable and laid in a feed trough. Everything about the Christmas story is illogical! However, just like Zacharias, not believing the illogical but believing in logic will have it's consequences.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son (Christmas Day) is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today (Christmas Day) I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world (Christmas Day), he says, "Let all God's angels worship him (Christmas Day)." In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire." But about the Son (Christmas Day) he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." He also says, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end." To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Heb 1:1-14 NIV)
Another statement of question is : "Seeing is Believing". Actually, the reverse is more true: "Believing is Seeing". Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1 KJV-BRG) Faith and Belief move mountains, faith and belief please God, faith and belief displayed in the face of logic have power beyond measure! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (and the logic of man)!
Christmas is first about "Believing", like a little child! Believe with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength---and then you will see the "illogical" of Christmas. If you choose man's logic at Christmas time----well---welcome to the house of Zacharias!
Merry Christmas from Ancient Words!!
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected]