In most Christmas movies, from the classics (“It’s a Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Carol”, etc.) to the cheesy Hallmark chick flicks with the perfectly decorated houses and perfectly predictable story lines and perfectly groomed actors and actresses, the nebulous phrase “the true meaning of Christmas” is tossed around and portrayed as some form of man-centered “do-goodism.” They often move us emotionally and make us feel good and make us want to do good. And, as God’s people, we do want to do good. Even lost people want to do good, because they are created in the image of God.
But for the Christian, “doing good” is always connected to the glory of God, and it always and only results from the new birth. Unsaved people do not “do good” in the biblical sense. And the Christmas moviemakers totally miss this connection, and what true “goodness” really is. And of course they would miss this – they are blind to the truth, and they must do what sells movie tickets.
As we all know, 99% of Christmas movies miss the true, biblical message of Christmas, which is:
- Because Adam & Eve blew it, the human race is fallen, totally depraved, and captive to sin, and desperately needs a Deliverer. “O come, o come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel…”
- Man cannot save himself by good works, and thus needs a Savior. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
- Man is lost in his transgressions, and desperately needs to be found. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining…”
- And if man is to be saved, God has to do it. And He did it at Christmas. He did it in the perfect life and atoning death of His Son, who came at Christmas. I love hearing Lauren Daigle belt it out: “Noel, noel – come and see what God has done.” What did the angel say to Joseph? “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” He will do this. There is no doubt. There is no question about it. He will save His people from their sins. He will! Hallelujah!!
This is what mainstream society, the liberal elite, Hollywood, and most people miss. Sadly, even many people who “go to church.” This is what the darkened mind misses. This is what the self-centered, self-worshipping individual cannot comprehend. This is what spiritually blind eyes cannot see: Salvation is of the Lord. Totally. Completely. And Christmas is at the center of God’s saving work. Christmas is at the center of the “Big Story.” Jesus has come to ransom His fallen people. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
And as biblical Christians whose eyes have been opened and whose hearts have been reborn, this is the sure hope we rejoice in and rest in as we live lives of generosity, gratitude, and contentment, for the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.
Ponder this excerpt from a prayer by Scotty Smith:
We’re thankful to know you as the God of hope. In a world of broken people, challenging circumstances, and unfinished stories, it is a source of immeasurable peace to know that you love us and have called us to hope. A living, sure hope is the heartbeat of Advent—not crossing our fingers, settling for Plan B, “rolling with the punches,” or making lemonade out of lemons. We don’t have to be afraid or be dismayed by anything or anyone. Outcomes belong to you.
You’re never shocked or surprised. You never scratch your head in confusion, nervously pace heaven, or go back to the drawing board to “figure something out.” You are the Alpha and the Omega, and everything in between. Knowing this doesn’t always make life easy, but it sure makes it good.
You’ve already given us so many riches in the gospel, so we choose to set our hope on your promise of sufficient grace for today, and the bodacious fullness of grace we’ll receive at Jesus’ second Advent. Father, thank you for being so very patient and generous with us—so hope igniting and peace fueling.
Merry Christmas, Church family! I urge you to set your hope on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. All praise and honor and glory to the Serpent-crusher, the Hero of God’s Big Story.
Joy to the world, He has come to save us!
Pressing on with you, with our eyes on Jesus,
Pastor Butch
