Nick asked me why it's "wrong" to write X-mas instead of Christmas. I explained that although "X" is the Greek letter for the "Ch" in Christ, most people don't think of Christ when they see an "X" and many others see the "X" as X-ing out Christ. Isn't it ironic that many people who say "X-mas" think they're omitting Christ when they're actually pointing back to His Name? It's the same with "Happy Holidays" which means "Happy Holy Days," again referring to the season we celebrate Jesus' birth. Rather than getting bent out of shape when the world uses "X-mas" or "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," we can nod and smile in agreement and say, "Thank you for reminding me that Jesus is the Reason for the season," foiling Satan's efforts to sabotage Christmas. Ho ho ho!
While everyone knows "X" marks the spot on a good treasure map, angels directed simple shepherds to find their Treasure in "a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). What did these men and boys find that night? Peace: God came to them, included them, accepted them, invited them. The manger held Hope that the Presence of God would now fill their dark, lonely nights. The Joy they found sent them back to their flocks different men, enriched and enlightened. They carried the Light within, praising and glorifying God for their new-found Treasure. Because they knew how it felt to be left out in the cold and out of the loop, they left a trail for others to find the Treasure by spreading the Good News to anyone who would listen.
What treasures have I found in the Jesus Christ I know? Acceptance just as I am; forgiveness when I fail; fulfillment for every deep longing; wisdom to live His purpose; encouragement to face the mundane and difficult parts of life with joy; love that satisfies and must be shared; understanding and intimacy no person on earth can offer. If you add your list to mine we've still only begun to touch the top layer of His riches. The mystery of Christ is that there's no bottom to the Treasure Chest for any of us non-angelic types who will come humbly and expectantly to explore and draw from His supply.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Thank You Lord for lavishing Your riches on us when we're standing clueless and cold in the dark. Thank You that Your Treasure is deep and wide and covers every need we can conceive. We praise You! We adore You! You brought us in and You light our hearts with Hope, Peace and Joy. Thank You for breaking into our ruts and insecurities with reminders of Your Glory and Love. We treasure You and ask You to show us how best to share the Treasure we've found in You during this Holyday, X-mas season!
In the Name of Jesus, the Christ, our endless source of wisdom and knowledge!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3
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