It’s the Greatest Time of the Year
“There’s a special kind of feeling in the air
It only happens at this time of year
When everyone is filled with love and cheer
That’s what matters”
Have you ever asked yourself why Christmas is the greatest time of the year? The lyrics of the famous Christmas song by the title “It’s the greatest time of the year” by Ali and A.J. are a picture of the ambiguities of the Christmas season in our consumer driven culture. Not that there is anything wrong with buying and selling but when it becomes the most important thing and we fail to celebrate the coming of the savior in holy reverence and gratitude, it is a sin (James 4:17). While many are lost in the joy of giving and receiving, others are lost in self gratifying acts and debt accumulation.
The truth of the matter is that Christmas is the greatest season of the year because it is the celebration of the advent of Christ. Why is this story so great? It is great because Jesus came to save those who are lost in their sins and those who are in need of the saving grace of God. The book of Luke records three parables that outline the depravity of man. Much could be said about these three parables; the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7, the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32). All three parables illustrate God’s love and concern for the sinner (lost ones) and the need for repentance. Repentance that comes through a broken spirit and contrite heart (Psalms 51:17) is the only remedy for our sin problem.
Jesus is still the reason for the season! This Christmas let us reach out to the lost and remember that “…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
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