Christmas—a Divine Invasion

            The fascination with astronomy and space goes back to historical beginnings. Job, probably the oldest book in the Bible, speaks of the constellations of Orion and Pleiades, etc. Even at the birth of Jesus, the wise men came to Jerusalem seeking the “King of the Jews,” saying, “for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matt. 2:2) The “star” revealed to them that a Heavenly Visitor had invaded earth. What was this all about?

            It all began with God’s creation of Adam and Eve who were placed in a perfect environment called Eden. (cf. Gen.1&2) They had access to anything their heart could desire, including God’s presence and fellowship. One tree was “off-bounds,” by which the Lord tested their love and obedience. When tempted by the Serpent (Satan) to eat of that fruit, they yielded to the flesh, and disobeyed. The consequence was death—separation from God’s life. Their sinful act brought sin and perpetual death upon the whole human race. “The wages of sin is death,” explaining why all people eventually die. There’s no problem bigger than that!

            The Bible says that “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand and seek God;” What did He see? “They are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Psa.14:2, 3) As Paul puts it, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom.3:12) What a sight for the Holy God who initially made man to reflect His glory! What could be done?

            In mercy, God instituted the Sacrificial system; i.e. the blood of innocent animals was shed to “cover” man’s sins. (cf. Lev.16). This became the means of forgiving the guilty, until the ultimate Sacrifice (Jesus Christ) was offered at the Cross. This practice continued until “the fulness of time was come,” and the Savior Himself appeared.

            Yes, God looked down from Heaven and saw the utter corruption of mankind; but then He came down via the Virgin Mary, who conceived the Babe by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 1:20) The Christ Child was the perfect Son of God, not having the DNA (i.e. corrupted blood cells, etc.) of either Joseph or Mary. As prophesied by Isaiah, “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matt. 1:23) God came down from Heaven and dwelled among us! Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” (Jno. 6:51) This portrays  the heart of Christmas!

            But that’s not all. The One who looked down, and came down, was the One who lay down; i.e. He gave His life to redeem (deliver) sinners. “I am the good shepherd,” said Jesus, “…and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (Jno. 10:14, 15) Because of His absolute sinlessness, He was able and willing to become the ultimate and complete Sacrifice for all sinners. John the Baptist rightly identified Him as “the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.” (Jno. 1:29)

            Thankfully, it didn’t end there. For the One who looked down, and came down, and lay down, didn’t stay down! When sin’s penalty was paid, and Jesus’ body was buried, that pit of death could not hold Him! As He predicted, “I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself; I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” (Jno. 10: 17, 18)

This is exactly what happened on the third day after His crucifixion! Upon their approach to the tomb on that Resurrection morn, the perplexed disciples were confronted by two men in “shining garments,” who said, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” And so it is—He’s Alive! He’s Alive forevermore! Hallelujah!

But there’s more. This resurrected Lord returned to Heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to continue His work in and though His disciples. One day, hopefully soon, He will invade our space again when He comes to catch up His Bride (the Church). Cf.1Thess. 4:13-18. Eventually, He will come back to this earth as the Glorious King, to rule and reign over His Millennial Kingdom. Cf. Psa. 2; Isa. 9:6, 7.

Meanwhile, Christmas is another opportunity to celebrate the Savior’s invasion to earth to “save His people from their sins.” It’s time to ask ourselves, “Have I allowed Him to “invade” my life personally? I’m sure we’ll agree that we’ve been side-tracked by the “Santa syndrome,” and need to return to the real “reason for the season.” Let’s not permit a Christ-rejecting world to “invade our space,” in its attempt to make this precious celebration meaningless.

A Broader View of ‘Identity Theft’

            In this age of technology, there has been great concern for maintaining one’s private identity. The epidemic of stolen credit cards, hacking personal information from internet accounts, etc. is common knowledge. In spite of annual notices of the “privacy act,” assuring folks of the safety of their personal records, it’s clear that individual privacy is almost a thing of the past. The Social Security card was once a strictly personal matter, making us unique individual citizens; but that scenario has changed, making us just another “number” whereby our most personal records now become public knowledge. The present thrust toward socialized medicine and health care further exposes our privacy, and limiting our individual responsibility for health care. The scheme is to have the government supply and thus control the medical industry. For the government to “confiscate” our medical records, it to ultimately place the citizenry under Federal control. No matter how you look at it, our identity is being stolen, and we are becoming “wards of the state.” We’ve been “had!” The “institution of slavery” is returning to America, only this time the format is more insidious and subtle.

            On a deeper and more emotional level, this whole concept of “identity crisis”    has been with us from the beginning of history. Human beings have always had a problem with “low self-esteem” and inferiority. Before the widespread accessibility to “mental health” counseling, parents played that role in the midst of strong family units; children and young people were exposed to wise instruction and personal discipline. The primary reason that “socialism” and the concept of a “classless society” is rising in America, finds its root in the rejection of God’s creation in favor of evolution. If we all “evolved” from some “lower” form, then who are we? Are we just another “animal?” What is our “identity”—what makes us special and unique? There’s no answer to that question in the scheme of evolution. In fact, any specific hope and salvation in the future is also dashed to pieces. A godless theory has become a devious instrument to steal our God-given identity! These are strong words, but it’s time to face the truth.

            One of the unique factors that have made America great is its Judao-Christian heritage. While not a “Christian nation” per/se, our forefathers gave more than lip service to the Bible. Not only were its precepts found in the religious community, but in the judicial and educational system. In light of the present attitude toward the Bible, it’s astounding to know that the first institution of higher learning was founded on the Word of God. Harvard College was launched in 1636 in Massachusetts for the purpose of training ministers of the Gospel of Christ. The same was true with the founding of Yale, Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, etc. This tells us something of the mindset of the original colonies, and speaks to the clear identity and success of our nation. This also explains the individual ruggedness and stalwart character often cited by historians. Without excusing our own failures and corruption, this solid foundation clearly identifies the reason for the American dream, which has been unsurpassed by any other nation.

            The “Progressives” (Socialists) who have grown in power over the last century, hate to be reminded of our national “identity.” This rejection of our Biblical foundation explains the downplaying and/or omission of the U.S. History curriculum in our public schools. Added to that is the removal of the Bible, and the fight against the true meaning and open display of Christmas and Easter. That’s why “Happy Holidays” is all but replacing “Merry Christmas.” The traditions that have fortified our uniqueness are now being overrun by unbiblical and left-winged forces, all under the guise of “tolerance.”

Significantly, those who preach “tolerance” are totally intolerant of the traditions that have not only made our country great, but a blessing to the whole world. Who has shown more compassion to the needy people across the globe than the USA? That which has readily identified us in the past is being minimized and “stolen!”

It’s time-- if there is time, to “wake up,” the bell is ringing! The “thieves” are at the door!