Crazy Christmas
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:9-12 (NIV)
According to Galatians 4:4, Jesus was born at the fullness of time, meaning He was born at the right time. Still, it didn’t feel like the right time for Mary and Joseph. Mary wasn’t ready, and Joseph was unprepared. They were traveling to their hometown for an important census. To them, the timing of Jesus’ birth felt crazy. But it’s not up for discussion if God wants to birth something in our lives. When God says it’s time, then it’s time.
The craziness of Christmas is often forgotten. However, in God’s Word, multiple scriptures remind us of the crazy nature of Jesus’ birth.
The first is the star that went ahead of three wise men to guide them to where Jesus was born (Matthew 2:9). The star is evidence that God chooses to guide us in crazy ways. He used a fish to guide Jonah and a burning bush to guide Moses. In our walk with God, we can expect Him to guide us in strange and unusual ways. However, God will always get us to the correct destination, even if the journey looks crazy.
The second reminder is the gifts the three wise men offered. They brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh—not a crib, onesie, or formula. The gifts had theological meaning but weren’t practical. But what kind of gift does God want from us? The answer might sound crazy, but God wants our sins.
Isaiah 64:6 says, “We’re all sin-infected, sin-contaminated. Our best efforts are grease-stained rags. We dry up like autumn leaves—sin-dried, we’re blown off by the wind.” The only thing we can give God is our sins. He wants our pain, confusion, and depression so that He can provide His grace, healing, and joy.
Lastly, the third thing that makes Christmas crazy is that everything changed after Jesus’ birth. His arrival has become a dividing line in history. Before Jesus’ birth, there was no hope. After it, we could experience a deep, intimate relationship with God.
When reflecting on the craziness of Christmas, we should have a spirit of gratitude. God could have provided thousands of gifts to express His love, but He gave us a perfect, priceless, and practical gift: Jesus.
While the circumstances of Jesus’ birth may have been crazy, Luke 2:10-14 tells us, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Jesus provides peace amid the craziness. With Him, we do not need to worry or fear. No matter how crazy life gets, Jesus will provide a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is the reason for the season.
