Children, as so often with matters of the kingdom of God, have it right. Christmas is a great day to play. Yes, the story leading up to Christ’s birth is fraught with shadowy themes, and indeed, the story following — all the way to the Cross, has plenty of conflict. But it is a TRUE tale inviting celebration from beginning (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!” (John 1) to the end:
“When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.” (The Message, Colossians 2:14-15)
Many children will play hard and play well today. If you, like me, need a reminder to laugh at the joy and great humor of what this day is about — really, that God would become man, take 3:53 and enjoy this video of the Christmas story brought by St. Paul’s of New Zealand:
