So Christmas just happened. It’s grown popular in the evangelicalism of our time to get cranky about the crass commercialism of it all. You know what? I’m tired of the crankiness. Christmas Day is a time for raucous celebration: blinking lights, flying wrapping paper, egg nog and good chocolate, viewing our gifts through the delighted eyes of the receiver. It is good.
It is very good. I hope you enjoyed it to the hilt.
And now, let’s reflect a bit, because Christmas isn’t over. December 25th isn’t Christmas; it’s the first day of Christmas (yes, like the song). The Christmas season continues for 12 days; the evening of January 5th is Twelfth Night — the end of Christmastide — and January 6th is Epiphany, the feast where we celebrate the revelation of Jesus for who He is. On Epiphany, we remember both the Transfiguration and the Wise Men finding Jesus (about which more anon). For this week, let’s focus on the thing we’re celebrating at Christmastide: the incarnation of God.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
(Ps. 103:1-5)
Did you eat anything good in the past month? That was Him satisfying your mouth with goodness. You’re welcome. Take it as a downpayment on the rest of the psalm, a tangible sign that He is giving you all these things. All your sins are forgiven. All your diseases will be healed. Your youth and vigor will be renewed.
That’s who was in the manger. The God who forgives all our sins. The God who heals all our diseases. Who redeems us from destruction. Who pours mercy on our heads. And who gave you that salted caramel.
Taste and see that the Lord is good!
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