Noticeably Absent

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”—Isaiah 9:6a

Last week, I went to a Christmas parade. While there, I saw small children dressed in costumes, numerous groups with banners displaying the name of their organization, fire trucks, police cars, children’s characters, numerous political and civic organizations as well as businesses. I saw floats with beauty queens and dancing girl’s troupes. I even saw Darth Vader and some storm troopers! And lastly, I saw Santa and Mrs. Claus. The portly couple with gifts and treasures, seated high above the crowds waved at children and adults alike as cameras flashed and children squealed. As I pondered the parade, I was struck by the most noticeably absent and crucial person, Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ, there is no Christmas. There is no celebration; there are no gifts, parades, or parties. It’s because of Jesus that all of the festivities, joys, and celebrations of Christmas can even occur. Yet, each year, His voice is more and more absent than the year before, as His presence fades and the accoutrements of the season become the main event.

It’s hard to conceive of presents becoming the REASON for Christmas, just as it is hard to imagine fireworks becoming the REASON for the 4th of July or the half-time show at the Super bowl the REASON for the game. But that is precisely what is happening with Christmas. Presents came because Jesus was THE gift to us. And we give gifts to remind us that God gave Jesus for our salvation.

The mystery of Christmas is that God came near. His compassion is so intimate that He visited His creation through the person of His Son. He loved us so intently that He came living life in the same manner that we live life. He worked, grew tired, slept, and ate. He showed anger and He cried. He experienced the fullness of life in all of its joy and pain. He took our sins and sorrows upon Himself.

The question before us is this: Where is Jesus in the parade of our lives? If not, what has replaced Him? If Jesus is not the center and reason for our celebration, then something else is and it is occupying the spot made for Him. And when something else is in His spot, then it’s called idolatry. And that is sin.

My prayer is we might give Jesus the center place of our hearts once again. He visited us the first time in the incarnation, gave His life in the crucifixion, rose again in the resurrection, and went to heaven in the ascension. But He has promised to come again in the consummation. Our Lord Jesus will return to rule over all creation. All of the universe will see Him in all of His wonder and glory. For some it will be absolute rapturous joy. For others will be shear fear and terror. Then, the parades of creation will all be focused upon Him. He will no longer will He be forgotten, ignored, or marginalized. So today, let’s turn to Him, allowing Him His true place at the center of our hearts and lives, for His glory and for our joy. Amen.