Well, the Christmas holidays are over. During the last two weeks, I stayed up way past my bedtime and slept late almost every morning. I shopped a lot, hoping to find just the right gifts for my family. I went to a few parties--ate way, way too much--and exercised not at all. We took the tree down and put it and all of the ornaments and decorations in the attic.
Christmas has come and gone.
A new year is here. I have proof:
I stepped on the scale this morning. Oh, my goodness! That hurt.
I went back to work today--resumed my normal routine, but I'm still dwelling in Christmas past. I keep wondering if Christmas was really necessary. Did Jesus have to be born?
Was there another way?
Why didn't God just send O? Surely, she could meet most of our needs, and all of our problems would disappear--right?
For example, I'm thinking that if I had a little more money, life would be so much easier, and I would be a happier person. How about you? Would a bit of exra cash make things moe manageable at your casa? Well, O is a phenomenal philanthropist. She could contribute generously to my bank account and maybe deposit some in yours. And, wahlah! We could do the happy dance.
But possibly money isn't the answer that will make life work for us. Maybe we simply want to feel better about ourselves. We want excitement, adventure, success . Most importantly, we want to justify getting whatever it is that we want. Not a problem. O is one of the most popular philosophers in our country. Millions of people watch her show and purchase her magazine. And if she doesn't have the answer that you're looking for, one of the psychologists or counselors or whoever else she may feature on her show will certainly point you in the direction that you desire to take.
Ok, I'm listening. So feeling good about ourselves may not be the solution to our problems either. What if all that's necessary is to change the way that we look? If we could only have a few procedures done--like nip, tuck, lift--then we would look super-model cool. But how could O help? She's not a physician. No, but she could send us to the best surgeon in the world and pay for all expenses. I'm thinking that a shopping spree would be in order too.
Sweet girl, you know I'm kidding with you about God sending O.
God had to send Jesus. O and people like her may do good deeds, but they cannot address our real problems and needs.
See, our real problem is sin. I'm a sinner. You're a sinner. Our real need is for a Savior. We are sinners, and we need a Savior who can take care of our sin problem.
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Jesus Christ is that Savior!
Philanthropists, philosophers, and physicians can't save us. Only Jesus can do that.
And that's why God sent Jesus. And that's why we need Christmas.
We need a Savior.
God knew that no one else would do.
Not even O.
