TownHall– Across cultures throughout human history, people have sought to flee oppression and escape persecution. A recurring theme in Western classical literature and in modern classics such as Superman and Disney originals, which revolve around the struggle between good and evil, is the need and critical role for a rescuer or savior.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the messiah, the ultimate rescuer and savior for mankind who would vanquish evil, oppression and falsehood once and for all. In that sense, Jesus is the most revolutionary figure of human history. No other religion makes the claim that it was founded by a messiah.
Many people assume Christianity is like other religions that require followers to give up bad habits and perform certain works and rituals acceptable to God. Not so. Christ reminds us in Matthew 11:30 that, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” When a learned Jewish Pharisee whose life revolved around living up to stressful “dos and don’ts” of the Mosaic law asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus answered simply that if we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, we will have fulfilled all the laws. more
He changed the world so much even today, the bad guys have to act like they follow his precepts.
“… and love our neighbor as ourselves …”
That’s the difficult part. “Our neighbor” includes our enemies and those who would oppress and kill us – think Mao, Stalin, Hitler, Pelosi, Biden, Obola, Soros, Gates, Wray, Clapper, Hillary Clinton, and a host of other predatory, greedy, malicious, hate-filled, murderous monsters.
I’m not trying to take anything away from The Lord’s Holy Word, it’s just not as easy as it seems – one must be absolutely sincere – one cannot fool The Lord with proclamations and declarations.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Thankful to God for sending us His son.
Now we look forward to Christ’s return and ultimate triumph.
Agreed!!! Merry Christmas to all the IOTW crew and family!! :^)
He’s the Son of God, brought to earth in the humblest way in order to save humanity from itself. What could be greater than that?
Although this is mainly a political blog, I am heartened that so many here get that whole sin/salvation dynamic and have accepted the eternal gift that we don’t deserve.
There will be no battles in heaven, but in this world, there are, so in keeping with that great line from Ben Hur ,”Yes, he is a great man, but until ALL men are like him, we must keep our swords bright and are purpose true”.
@Not That Anonymous
It’s not that hard when you understand that evil men must be resisted and fought at every turn. My love for them is limited to the hope that they will turn from their evil way, but they get no quarter or assistance.
Thank you MJA.
God bless us, every one!
Rich Taylor,
Not meaning to pick nits, but the phrase is: “… and love our neighbor as ourselves …” and as I certainly am trying to turn from my evil ways, I see no “limited to” in that sentence – I admit that I have no idea how to interpret it and I don’t read Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, or Latin so I must rely on existing translations.
Peace, brother, just axin questions because I’m an ignorant sinner.
^^^^ No worries
I’ve never admitted to being a Bible scholar or to having all the answers; I’m not, and I don’t.
But I make a clear delineation between “my neighbor” and people who go out of their way to practice evil and actively work against the mission God tasks for us. I don’t think God wants us to love Satan or his disciples.
Admitting that I could be wrong, my standard advice in these things is to delve into The Word, ask for guidance and search your heart.
I just read GK Chesterton’s excellent book The Everlasting Man this past week. Of particular interest during the Christmas season was part 2 and in particular the chapter called The Strangest Story In The World. Reading part 2 gave me a better understanding of the gospel and of the significance of Jesus’s divine birth as a baby born into our world to save all of humanity for all time. Reading GK Chesterton gave me a fresh new perspective on the importance of the gospel and the real meaning of the Christmas story. Merry Christmas everyone, this year is special and tomorrow will be a great day for all.