THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS

 

DECEMBER 29, 2023

Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

 

When I use the words, the work of Christmas, what do you think of?

Maybe you think the work of Christmas is all the preparations and the energy that you put into trying to create the perfect Christmas experience for your family and your friends. Perhaps the work of Christmas for you is finding the perfect Christmas tree, or centerpiece for the Christmas dinner table. The work of Christmas might be untangling the tree lights, for you. Is the work of Christmas for you, the search for that perfect gift for your wife, husband, son, daughter, or mom and dad. For some, the work of Christmas maybe maintaining a joyful and expectant spirit in a season of grief, sorrow, sadness and an emptiness of heart. When I use the words the work of Christmas, what do you think of?

 

Howard Thurman, published a poem called The Work of Christmas which goes like this:

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among others,

To make music in the heart.

 

The Poem's work of Christmas, is based in the Gospel of Jesus Christ:  “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

The focus of the Bible is not on what cannot be accomplished. (Which can be my focus at times) The Bible’s focus is just the opposite. Jesus taught “…all things are possible for the one who believes.”  (Mark 9:23). Paul wrote “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Repeatedly the Bible reveals that God is a can-do God: “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”  (Ephesians 3:20, The Message). 

Let’s be honest, individually, alone we can’t accomplish much of the things we are called to do. However, as a part of the body of Christ, the Community of Jesus, we can do much together.

The work of Christmas requires an attitude that with God, we can do what God calls us to do. The work of Christmas, because it is the work of Jesus, becomes for us a lifelong Christian calling. It begins by caring about the things Jesus cared about. Truly, We CAN do all things through CHRIST who strengthens US.

 

Luke 1:37

"For nothing is impossible with God."

 

Isaiah 60:1

"Arise, … Let your light shine for all to see."