John 19:31-37
The next day would be both a Sabbath and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men's legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, "No bone of his body will be broken" and, "They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last week, I’ve been sitting with my grandmother, who is in the hospital. Thankfully, she is doing well and should go home soon. But down the hall in one direction, people line up to receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. In the other direction, a family grieves as one of their loved ones spends her last days on Hospice. A friend posted on Facebook that he and his wife are taking turns sitting with his mother-in-law who is nearing the end of her life. I know people who can't find a job, and others who can't pay their bills or provide their family with "a big Christmas" this year. All around us, many people are anything but joyful this Christmas season.
The hospital is tastefully festive with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. On the lawn outside sits a large lighted Nativity scene, and a lighted wreath adorns the building’s exterior. Everywhere we look, there are signs of the season, and cheerful people. This is meant to be a happy time. But we can’t talk about the joy and excitement of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ without also remembering the ugliness of His death. While there is plenty to celebrate this season… and there are lessons of faith and hope galore in the story of Jesus’ birth… the true message comes in the crucifixion. If Jesus had come to earth and walked among us then died of old age, disease or even a tragic accident, He would have still been a great man… but His most ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled. In order to receive the Good News, you have to get through “the bad and the ugly” first.
So as we celebrate Christmas, smile at our neighbors, sing jolly songs and shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, let’s also remember that this is not such a Merry Christmas for some. Their joy is diminished this season by illness…death and loss…lack of income – or food, clothing and shelter… abuse…loneliness, and more. But the HOPE of Christmas can belong to ALL of us… because our Hope lies in the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus’ shed there. You can’t have Christmas without the cross… but because of Jesus and everything He did for us, we have the promise of Eternal Life.
This is the message we really should share this season. As we greet people with the cheerful salutations of the holiday season, we should also remind them of the HOPE this season represents. We should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us and temper our holiday cheer with words of encouragement and the promise of God’s unfailing love for His children. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to cultivate disciples who would share His message… and WE are those disciples – or at least we should be!
So wish others a Merry Christmas… but never forget the cross. Offer more than a happy greeting to those you meet. Take time to offer hope to those who need it and to share the Good News of the cross, as well. Be a disciple for Christ in this season – and always. Celebrate Jesus’ birth… and thank Him for what He did for us at Calvary.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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