Reason for the Season

The most beautiful and eventful time of the year is without a doubt, the Christmas holiday season. It’s a period of several weeks during which many of us reflect upon the reason for the season, while others attempt to censor it with silly propaganda. Nevertheless, such censorship is only capable of disturbing the physical and material representation of our joy – it has no power over the internal, spiritual delight our hearts experience all year long (Luke 1:14, Ephesians 6:12). The reason for this is that the very foundation of our joy is not only the birth of our Savior, but also His sacrifice.

As we reflect upon His coming into this world via a lowly cradle, let’s also remember His drinking of the cup of wrath (Matthew 26:42). The Messiah, King of Kings, the Holy One of Israel – took upon Himself that rugged cross. It was an incomprehensible act of love and meekness. Therefore, this wonderful time of the year is not about trees, ornaments, or gift-giving. Nor is it about cozy fireplaces or, dare I say, family reunions. This is a time to survey your heart and assume a position before your Lord. I hope you do this with all sincerity, as a New Year lies before you. God willing He provides us with the opportunity to step into it, will you do so with remembrance of His sacrifice? Will you too experience the imperishable and everlasting joy of a repented heart? Here is a short poetic excerpt which touched me this Christmas season:

He drank Your Cup of Wrath
the Holy One of Israel
the One swaddled in a manger
the One who Healed the lepers
and the God who walked on water
He’s walking to get to You
but don’t flippantly use His Flaming
and Glorious Name
if you still want the stains,
and not the Blood
that cleanses
He drank Your Cup of Wrath

Source: Misfit1965