Christmas - The Story Stands!

One of the most respected TV journalists of our time was Harry Reasoner.  In 1971 he gave a Christmas commentary that, at the very least, is quite interesting.  As a Bible-believing, grace-receiving child of God, I found his perspective unique, challenging, and inspiring.  Although there are seemingly different versions of his text both in print and on the internet, here, in part, is what he said (as best I can find it):

 

“Christmas is such a unique idea that most non-Christians accept it, and I think sometimes envy it.

“Christmas is such a unique story that, in reality, it leaves you only three ways of accepting it.

"One is cynically -- as a time to make money or endorse the making of it.

"Another is graciously -- the appropriate attitude for non-Christians who wish their fellow citizens all the joys to which their beliefs entitle them.

"The third is reverently.  If this is the anniversary of the appearance of the Lord of the universe in the form of a helpless babe, it is a very important day.  It's a startling idea of course. My guess is that the whole story -- that a virgin was selected by God to bear His Son as a way of showing his love and concern for man -- in spite of all the lip service given to it, is not an idea that has been popular with theologians.

"It's a somewhat illogical idea, and theologians like logic almost as much as they like God.  It's so revolutionary a thought that it probably could only come from a God that is beyond logic and beyond theology.

"It has a magnificent appeal. Almost nobody has seen God, and almost nobody has any real idea of what He is like.  The truth is that among men the idea of seeing God suddenly and standing in a very bright light is not necessarily a completely comforting and appealing idea.  But everyone has seen babies and most people like them.  If God wanted to be loved as well as feared, He moved correctly.  If He wanted to know His people as well as rule them, He moved correctly, for a baby growing up learns all about people.  And if God wanted to be intimately a part of man He moved correctly here, too, for the experience of birth and family-hood is our most intimate and precious experience.

"So it comes beyond logic. It is either all falsehood or it is the truest thing in the world.  It is the story of the great innocence of God, the baby.  God in the person of man has such a dramatic shock toward the heart, that if it is not true, for Christians nothing is true.

“So even if you have not got your shopping all done and you are swamped with the commercialism and the frenzy, be at peace. The story stands."

The story stands indeed!  Throughout the world wherever the name of Christ is known Christian people will gather to celebrate the birthday of their Lord and King.  Throughout the next month songs of praise and thanksgiving, anthems of adoration, and expressions of worship will be echoing in millions of hearts and homes.

Why will the eyes of millions be fixed on that blessed manger scene where lies the baby Jesus?  Because there we are reminded of God’s great love for us.  So great was it “… that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

We need only remind ourselves of the grave, horrific danger we would all be in had there been no Christmas!  Ever since the fall of our first parents, the human race has groaned under the evil rule and slavery of Satan – the most evil of taskmasters.  All were spiritually without help or hope unless ransomed by the promised Savior!

Then, suddenly, on that first Christmas night the heavens were torn open with the amazing, startling message of the angel:  "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)   The ransom had arrived!

The love of God which sent a divine Redeemer to rescue a doomed humanity is still the source of today’s hope and peace and joy.  For us, who in humble faith receive the Christ Child as or Savior and Redeemer by grace through faith, Christmas spells the difference between a hopeless world, and a hope-filled life, between purposelessness and a truly purposeful life, between letting the economy get us down, or by being lifted up by the truth that in Jesus we are richly blessed and truly have all.  Christmas spells the difference between an eternity in the company of the prince of darkness and a glorious eternity before the throne of God in heaven.  There we will be in the company of Him who loved us and redeemed us to be His own forever.

Perhaps you are already beginning to feel the stress and anxiety that are so much a part of the Christmas rush. If so, take a few minutes to contemplate again the miracle of Christmas: God came down to earth as a baby to become our Savior.  Focus on that message of incredible love and grace today and every day.  What a glorious festival, this Christmas!  What a glorious message, this Gospel!  What a glorious Savior, this Christ!

The story stands … INDEED!  

As the words of the great Christmas hymn sing out:

Let us all with gladsome voice  Praise the God of heaven, Who, to bid our hearts rejoice, His own Son hath given.

To this vale of tears He comes, Here to serve in sadness, That with Him in heaven’s fair homes, We may reign in gladness!  

We are rich, for He was poor; Is not this a wonder?  Therefore praise God evermore  Here on earth and yonder.