Pastor B.J. Knefley

My wife and I were watching one of those romantic Christmas movies—the ones our wives like—when a question about Christmas came up. It wasn’t that we were asking each other; it was a question in the movie. What I found interesting was the answer.

I first thought the movie was about Christ, but that’s not what I heard. Instead, the movie was about joy, a star, peace, angels, and wise men. There was no mention of Christ, the baby in the manger, or the Christ child as the hope for the world. Much emphasis was placed on doing good and sharing love worldwide, but nothing about Christ himself. I wonder why.

Universalism, have you heard the term? Do you know what it means? Simply put, it relates to the idea that everything and everyone will come together, embraced in love with salvation for all. It relates to a common good with justice and mercy extended to all regardless of belief or submission to a higher power or God. In this sense, Christmas relates to the idea of benevolence to all and that we all will share in the benevolence. However, this is not the teaching of Christianity, nor was it the impetus that brought Christ to the manger over two thousand years ago.

Christmas is about a gift, but did you realize that the gift of the Christ child was for a very select group of people? It was for the Jews, the people of God. We know this gift is extended to all people, but it is still a gift that must be received to be truly in our possession. It makes me wonder how many have received it. The answer to that question becomes very personal and can only be answered by that individual. How would you answer it?

Like many, I enjoy stories with happy endings. Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending, and not every Christmas is joyous and festive. In the end, Jesus stated that he came to set the captives free. Perhaps this is what we must consider this Christmas. Think about it.