Christmas Is War
A few weeks ago our pastor presented Christmas in a way I had never thought of before: Christmas was an all out military invasion intent on delivering humanity from captivity.
The mission was clear, war was declared before the world was made, there will be casualties, but nobody paid a higher price than God.
(You can listen to the message here Pastor Jim Ladd Christmas)
The world was dark and hopeless and Jesus broke through and shone a great light.
But it wasn't that simple.
There was resistance.
A battle ensued and will continue until humanity is delivered.
There are casualties.
Christmas is this light isn't a beautifully decorated tree and sweet songs by the fire. It isn't perfectly wrapped gifts and a garland dressed mantle.
It is soldiers clad in armor, weapons at the ready, it is small victories and great defeats. It is death and destruction.
It it blood.
His Father crushed his own son and caused him to suffer in order to make his life an offering for our sins.
Christmas was the initial invasion, and since that moment battles have been raging.
While the battles include pain, fears, trials, and some defeat, the war will be won!
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."
Away in a manger no crib for a bed our savior, Lord Jesus, the Light that breaks through the darkness, brings comfort, joy, and peace, and victorious warrior, the one who conquered death on a cross and redeemed the lost, lay down his sweet head.
This song captures this message beautifully.
This Is War Dustin Kensrue
The mission was clear, war was declared before the world was made, there will be casualties, but nobody paid a higher price than God.
(You can listen to the message here Pastor Jim Ladd Christmas)
The world was dark and hopeless and Jesus broke through and shone a great light.
But it wasn't that simple.
There was resistance.
A battle ensued and will continue until humanity is delivered.
There are casualties.
Christmas is this light isn't a beautifully decorated tree and sweet songs by the fire. It isn't perfectly wrapped gifts and a garland dressed mantle.
It is soldiers clad in armor, weapons at the ready, it is small victories and great defeats. It is death and destruction.
It it blood.
His Father crushed his own son and caused him to suffer in order to make his life an offering for our sins.
Christmas was the initial invasion, and since that moment battles have been raging.
While the battles include pain, fears, trials, and some defeat, the war will be won!
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."
Away in a manger no crib for a bed our savior, Lord Jesus, the Light that breaks through the darkness, brings comfort, joy, and peace, and victorious warrior, the one who conquered death on a cross and redeemed the lost, lay down his sweet head.
This song captures this message beautifully.
This Is War Dustin Kensrue
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