Grady Russell

So many people seem to be offended by Christmas. How is it possible that a baby born to bring peace to the world and salvation to all believers could also bring such offense? I guess those who reject our “Merry Christmas” are actually rejecting The Christ of Christmas. I suppose that we should expect such behavior from the world. Rejecting Jesus has been a part of culture since He came into the world. The prophet Isaiah foretold this rejection. Isaiah 53:3-6 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (NIV)

So how will I handle those who choose to reject the Christ of Christmas?

I will live in the peace that He brought through the punishment of the cross.

I will love my fellow man; all of them.

I will not choose to love only the loveable. I will love as Christ loves me!

I will express “Merry Christmas” to others, not as a sign of societal revolt but as a heartfelt wish toward everyone.

I will do those things which will bring the joy of Christmas to others. Not just my family and friends, but also to those who are perplexed by my joy.

I will not let the world change me, but through the love brought to us all on the first Christmas morn, I will change my world for Christ. I will live out the decree of the angels to the shepherds, “Peace on earth!” while remembering the words of Christ in Luke 12:51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. (NIV) Until our Lord returns, men will reject Him and those who follow Him. Division will rule in the world and, sadly, in homes and churches. Yet, one day, the True Peacemaker will arrive bringing Heaven’s peace to all of the earth. Until then, I will not go my own way, but go boldly along the way of Christ and His Peace. Peace to all and Merry Christmas!