There was a time when magic pictures were really in vogue, these computer generated images that you had to stand back, defocus your eyes and enter a coma-like state in order to see correctly. People would even get them hung on their walls like real artwork – I call these people suckers.
I’m just kidding.
But to be honest, we need to look at the Bible in a similar way, taking a step back from it to see it as a consistent whole rather than a random collection of stories. When seen in this light, we see that a story runs through the entirety of Scripture, a story of a wonderful beginning, a terrible fall, a time of struggle, the coming of a hero, and a final battle, and final peace. This is the story of salvation, God’s love song to his creation and his children, which is woven into all of human history.
Christmas is a moment of this story, a reminder of a larger plan, and also a revelation of God’s wonderful character. Through Christmas and the salvation story, we know that we have a God who has a plan for our lives, fulfills his promises, and understands our pain.
And even now, we are in the very midst of this story, part of God’s plan and unfolding salvation plan. We find ourselves caught up in it, as recipients of this grace, but then messengers of the same. We are not merely passive observers of this story, but have become its main players. So as we celebrate Christmas, let’s also take a moment to reflect on how we can proclaim Christmas and this love story.
