Merry Christmas to you and to all those you love. I realize that you have heard “Merry Christmas” about a million times by now, but do you remember the original greeting? It is found in Luke 2:14. God sent angels to proclaim this greeting…
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men”.
Bringing glory to God is the first and foremost purpose mentioned. This immediately rules out celebrating Christmas in a way which would not reflect glory, or honor, toward God. God is to be glorified because He found a way to bring mankind back into His family. God sent His priceless Son to pay the price for our sin, so that; “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved”. Glory to God, indeed!
“Peace on earth” is the way we most commonly hear this part of the verse misquoted. But it actually says; “on earth peace… toward men.” The Christmas gift from God, results in us being able to know that we are at peace with God. This is what makes peace of mind possible. Notice the word “possible” in that last sentence. The way in which Americans celebrate Christmas often leaves our bodies worn out and our nerves on edge. Only God can continually give us peace of mind as we ask for His help over and over.
The third part of God’s original Christmas greeting is “on earth… good will toward men”. The fact that God freely gave the life of His only begotten Son to offer us a payment for our sin debt, certainly demonstrates God’s good will toward mankind. He is thus challenging us to follow his model in dealing with each other. We are to be a people who show good will toward others.
You have probably already noticed that “glory to God” is directed toward God, Himself. “On earth peace” is directed toward each of us individually. “Good will toward men” is directed toward all those we come in contact with.
I believe that God is telling us we will have a Merry Christmas if we will keep these three phrases from His original Christmas greeting, in their proper place and in proper order.
Bro. Dennis