Relationships, the Illusion of Connection and Christmas

God has made us for relationship. Humans thrive in good and healthy relationships.  The problem is, because we are all broken, these relationships are often messy - not so good, not so healthy. Therefore, relationships are work.  But its worth the work to cultivate authentic connections with others. This has always been true.

However, with modern technology comes modern challenges.  I spend more time "connecting" through electronic devices than via personal, face to face contact with others.  I send text messages, instead of speaking voice to voice over the telephone. I write emails with a computer, rather than personal letters that have my unique scribbles that those close to me recognize.  I have hundreds of friends that I observe and "connect" with over social media instead of over a cup of coffee.  All of this fosters isolation rather than connection. Have you experienced this illusion of connection that modern technology has created and we have fully embraced?

All of this electronic communication has given us the illusion of connection, when actually it has dulled and stifled genuine relationships.  Even as I am reading the posts of others, commenting on photos and "likeing" articles, I often come away with a growing emptiness.  Since all of these devices save us so much time we should have plenty of opportunity for a cup of coffee, a phone call or dinner around that table with our family.  It takes intentional effort to unplug the electronics and move toward others. I suspect those others in your life are longing for connection with you too.

What's more, when I spend time utilizing electronic devices I am drawn away from the deepest and most meaningful connection of all - the one with God.  (Its even possible for me to read the Word of God on an electronic device. I suppose that's better than not reading it at all.) Somehow all of this media, technology and progress has created an environment buzzing with activity. So much noise!  I think it would be wise for the people of God, the followers of Christ, to set aside the electronics and simply "be still!"  At least I think that would be wise for me. It is in the strengthening of this ultimate relationship with my Heavenly Father that I am enabled to better connect with those around me.

God could have communicated and connected with mankind through a multitude of ways. But He came to us in person.  Jesus came so that we can have a relationship with Him.  God is not a distant, unconcerned force.  He is a personal, loving God - engaged with His creation.  This is the story of Christmas. So in a very real sense, Christmas is about connection.

[I realize the irony of this post given it is communication via a blog and that I'm using an electronic devise and so are you. Shut your device down and go have a real conversation.]

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The Biblical Christmas Story

The four gospels that open the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) all contain a reference to Jesus' Birth, which is the Christmas story.  Each of the accounts are different as each were written for different audiences, from different perspectives.  However, the primary aim is the same.  All four gospel writers are conveying the truth that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was uniquely born.  Jesus took on human flesh and identified with His creation so that ultimately He could redeem the lostness and brokenness of mankind.

John captures with great depth the story of Jesus' incarnation when he boldly states, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)  In the Old Testament days God would display His glorious presence among the nation of Israel in the most holy place, first in the tabernacle and later in the temple.  This symbolic, shining light was the closest the people, through the ministry of the high priest, would ever really come to God Himself.

All of that changed in Bethlehem.  The glory of God, in the person of Jesus, came down to dwell among us.  That baby in the manger changed everything!

This is the story of Christmas. For those who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, it is up to us to "Go Tell it on the Mountain...that Jesus Christ is born!"

Christians and Christmas

Here are just a few suggestions to direct our attention to the Lord Jesus in the days leading up to Christmas.

* Read carefully – Reread the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth in the days leading up to Christmas. Perhaps read them aloud with others.

* Sing thoughtfully – Christmas carols are so familiar we often sing them with little thought about what the words mean. Make an effort to meditate on the truths you are singing.

* Think biblically – The birth of Jesus makes no sense if it is disconnected from the rest of scripture and the gospel. You may even want to spend time thinking about Easter. Why did God become a man anyway? There is a direct line from the manger to the cross.

* Live missionally – Look for opportunities to share and explain the story of Christmas. We are fond of saying that Jesus is the ‘reason for the season,’ but we must be ready to explain why. We need to share the underlying message about man’s hopelessness, because of our sin, and God’s grace in providing the solution in Christ. We can sing carols, give gifts and say ‘Merry Christmas’ all we want, but if we don’t share the whole story we have missed it.

* Celebrate prayerfully – Pray for your lost friends and family with whom you will be gathering for Christmas. Ask God to open their hearts to receive Christ and ask for boldness, wisdom and grace as you interact with them.

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Happy Christmas

I usually say, "Merry Christmas." That is the way most of us in the US express our holiday greeting. The other day I was changing the marquee in front of our church. The display says, "A Merry Christmas starts with Christ." Someone mentioned to me that "merry" refers to drinking and parties and that the proper expression is "Happy Christmas." Of course that is primarily a British form of the holiday greeting. I suppose my friend may have a point. Nonetheless, I still say it the regular way.

But, the point of our church marquee is the same (rambling) point of this post. There will be no meaningful Christmas - happy, merry or otherwise - without Christ as the center of it all.

I hope you have a wonderful, Christ-centered, happy Christmas!