By John Hubble
The last Christmas. Ever think about that? Christmas—the time of year we Christians give particular attention to the birth of Jesus, the Christ. We celebrate the time of the arrival in the flesh of the Messiah here on earth. Many traditions, many viewpoints, many generations have told this story. And the story will continue to be told this year. For me, I most delight in the record of the event written by Luke in his Gospel, Chapter 2, Verses 1-20.
But Luke takes it much further than the birth of Christ related in these first 20 verses. Immediately following, he identifies the purpose of Jesus’ birth, as spoken through a devout man in Jerusalem named Simeon. Luke’s account goes like this: Joseph and Mary had taken Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for the purification offering. (This offering was tied to the dedication of a woman’s first-born son to the Lord, in accordance with the Law of Moses.) Simeon, who was also at the temple, had been led to go there by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
When Joseph and Mary arrived, Simeon took the child in his arms, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (Luke 2:29-32, NLT)
Luke then recounts the presence of a prophetess, Anna, who was there when Simeon was talking with Joseph and Mary. She heard what Simeon had said and began praising God. She told everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem about the child, Jesus. (See Luke 2:38.)
Yes, Christian. We celebrate Christmas this time of year, though the true reason for the season has become watered down over the years. Today, we start seeing evidence of Christmas early on. Late September and early October is when it usually begins. Merchants begin tickling the symbols of our secular desires in red, white, and green. Manger scenes are not seen as frequently as they used to be. Merchants’ shelves are dedicated more to the money-makers of the season.
Fact is, the Fall season barely has a chance. Thanksgiving, that once-upon-a-time event during which we gave thanks for our heritage in this nation blessed by God in which we live, is afforded only tacit recognition. For many, reflection on the Pilgrims and their quest to find a land in which they (and we) could enjoy religious freedom has been all but lost. But what about the last Christmas, Christian?
Were you to know this December 25th would be the last Christmas on earth, would your activities surrounding this day be different than those you may have originally planned? Would you perhaps feel some sense of urgency to share the knowledge of this being the last Christmas with those near to you? Would you possibly manifest openly some suppressed desire to purposely put Christ, His birth and purpose, back into the Christmas season?
Would you consider this perhaps as an opportunity to share with others the Christmas story, the story of God loving the world so much, He sent His only Son into the world in order that everyone who believes in Him would not perish, but would have eternal life? How would you answer these questions knowing this is the last Christmas, Christian?
This is the last Christmas for some, you know. And for some, you may be the last ones to say, “I have seen salvation, which God has prepared for all people. Let me share Him with you.”
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