Local media outlets are now using the phrase to describe our country by declaring that we are in a "cold Civil War". We all likely agree that we are a divided nation. There are many parallels that we could draw from these current times and what had unfolded in our country’s history in the early to mid 1800s. We agree that our country is divided! There were opinions and persuasions on all sides of nearly every issue, we are finding political conflict.
What is so unfortunate is that we are bombarded with messages that are negative and it gives us an anxious spirit during what is supposed to be the celebration of the Christ child. Though He was vulnerable, the Christ child is the deliverance of all our greatest hope!
Let me remind you that in Bethlehem and throughout the region, there was political unrest not at all unlike our current times. Nearly every historian of biblical history as well as secular writings remind us that during the time that Jesus was born there was significant abusive of power as well as obstruction of their government as well. After all, it was taxation that forced Mary and Joseph to go to a small town in Bethlehem to be counted.
In Luke 2, of which the story has been rehearsed in nearly every Christian church around the world. The gospel is read and the majority of homes beginning with, "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world."
Many scholars believe that this was a time in which it was an attempt for the government to seize more taxes and to discover this king of the Jews who was to be born. in the hustle and bustle of a busy community, even the innkeeper had no room in his "guest room" (NIV) for Mary, Joseph, and soon-to-be-born Jesus. For thousands of years the parallels of the Christmas story to our times have been shared in pulpits, and communities, and in our homes.
We have a divided country politically. Traditional values and historic definitions are being challenged. We are just as busy as they were in that little town in Bethlehem. People throughout the region were not only careful about what they said aloud but were bustling to the point that they did not even recognize that a King was going to be born in the town of David. David, the hero King of the Old Testament who was the King of Israel!
The message was heralded by the angels to some shepherds in the low lands. The prophecy was carefully read as the Wiseman searched for a King by following the star. Those who would dedicate this infant Kin, Jesus would sing triumphantly of the promise given long ago.
My point today? I remind us to always remember, and never forget that the story of Christ birth must unify the church around one central theme, the theme of love and goodwill! That though there was no peace in Jesus‘s birth, He can bring peace to every heart! Though the world is divided, our church is united in it’s central message that the King was born!
This King that I speak of is not the dictator, nor a ruling party, nor a monarch. He is not a King who would order our submission but a King whom we will come to worship of our own free will. This King that I speak of will bring peace to every heart that is willing to submit to Him. This king that I speak of will show love like no other. This King that I speak of transforms our bitter and anxious heart to one of hope and the deliverance that we long for.
Church, ring your bells and share the triumphant message; the only one who can save us has come called Emmanuel, Prince of peace, mighty God, everlasting father. Shout it from the mountain tops. Throw open the windows and knock on every door so that the carols of Christmas are heard!
Though our country is divided, our church is united!
