Rev Norman Hamilton: Our public celebration of Christmas has little to do with pleasing God

In many churches this month we will read the passage in St Luke’s gospel that as the shepherds were being told of the birth of Jesus - “suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: - “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2020, 07:27 BST

Some translations remove any uncertainty about the last phrase with the translation and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Christ’s birth is not just good news for the whole human race, but is especially important for those throughout the centuries who have chosen to become Christ’s followers - men, women and young people with whom God is pleased.

The Christmas call to live a life that is pleasing to God is always quite a challenge. On one hand, we are surrounded by so many good things that are blessings from God’s hand - such as food and water that are safe, homes that can be heated in the coldest winter, and freedom to worship publicly on Sundays and every other day (subject, of course, to Covid-19!).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yet, we are also afflicted by the attraction of material things, Particularly true at Christmas, the tendency to self-interest, and the very public rejection of the ways of God right across so much of our community. It is one of the terrible ironies that a great deal of our public celebration of Christmas has so little to do with pleasing God, even though the central purpose of Christ’s birth was to reconcile us to Him.

But I am not a cynic nor a killjoy about Christmas, and I greatly enjoy much that marks out this season of the year. I love the decorations, music and renewed contact with so many friends. I love the Christmas sweaters, the special food and, if it turns out to be a ‘white’; Christmas, I will be delighted.

But the lights on the trees in our towns, villages and homes bring me particular pleasure. Each and every one of the many thousands of them is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is the light of the world, and that He brings light, joy and hope to my life and the lives of so many millions of other people.

The Apostle John puts it beautifully in the opening chapter of his gospel: In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

God’s goodwill towards us is beyond any doubt. One of the ongoing challenges that flow from the birth of Christ is whether we are people with whom God will be pleased each and every day of 2021. Christ’s light will be ever-present, but I need to make sure that my reflection of His light in my life does not become dimmed or even extinguished. You have the same challenge too.

Related topics:Jesus