One Question

With all the noise and clamor of opinions, alliances, truth, perspectives and ultimate meaning, one question rises above all. Where does the meaning for the world and our existence come from? Random chance, big bang, slow evolution from a non-rational origin? Or, a Creator with a mind, a purpose – a thoughtful beginning with a meaningful end. Integrity and value woven into every moment of creation – with a shared history and destiny.

Meaningless existence, or purpose. The question at the very core of understanding life on earth. The interesting reality is that human beings yearn for belonging and meaning, despite ourselves. It’s the lack of these qualities that present us with depression, exasperation, and a tendency to fill the void of unanswered questions with ambition, prestige, fame, money, recognition, and all the other ‘stuff’. We can’t help ourselves. It’s in our very DNA. Which is so frustrating to those who don’t believe there is anything more to life than themselves.

Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, is hugely significant. Most of us talk about God as if his existence depends upon our agreement and understanding. Which is as ridiculous as being seduced to believe that the sun shines, or that day and night follow because I either choose to believe or not. Even those steeped in religion succumb to advocating for the ‘God of the Bible’, a litany of dogmas, doctrines, and hard to understand guidelines.

The message of Christmas is about a God who longs to reveal himself to his creation in a manner, and with a simplicity, that a child will comprehend. He desires to lift the pressure and weight off the shoulders of those whom he created. To affirm that creation was His idea, the battle with rebellion and sin factored into His purposes. Forgiveness was always on His heart, the gift and sacrifice of His Son was His idea from the beginning of all things.

Christmas is about a God who speaks, who acts, who is alive and responsive to daily life in the real world. He’s not religious. neither is He vindictive or cruel. He’s not egotistical, requiring all creation to worship him in an eternal song of praise. It’s nothing like that. But the sad reality is most of the world has a negative view of all things related to God.

I’ve spent many years outside the Christian walls where most of the people “talk” about Jesus . using His name as a profanity, expressed in exasperation, or a throw away phrase with no meaning. Every time I hear them speak His name in this way, it hurts. I don’t correct or respond, because I’m not sure it will help. “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are saying.”

I am absolutely convinced that if every one of my unbelieving friends were to meet Jesus today they would fall in love with him. All the missing pieces would be filled, every hurt would be healed, and every question answered. Hollowed out Christians focus on laws and compliance. whereas Christians who follow Jesus seek to emanate His grace and mercy, kindness, sacrificial love, and humility.

Honesty and transparency are a hallmark of God’s love and essence. Truth is self-evident. It does not have to be dressed up. Most of us are exhausted by the politics and posturing prevalent in our time. Armchair critics who delight in critiquing everyone – yet disdainful of any personal accountability.

Many delight in confining Jesus to His manger; young, innocent, and no danger to anyone. But the meaning of Christmas is only fully appreciated in the life of Jesus, His teaching, His sacrifice, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. The whole story is the miracle, the revelations, and the source of faith and hope that surpasses understanding.

When a baby learns to walk it doesn’t start with a long chat; a physiological explanation of muscles and limbs, balance and gravity. Neither does it include goals and disciplines, pressure or performance. It happens when parents lovingly support the toddler, make funny sounds pulling strange faces. They kneel at the child’s level and shriek with delight when the infant takes two steps and collapses. Repeat, repeat, repeat, and the walking comes. The toddler sees his parents walking every day and slowly acquires a visual image that there is something more to life than crawling.

The same is true about a relationship with God. Modelling, encouragement and repetition builds muscle until we eventually believe that which we do not yet see. That’s what Christmas is all about. An invitation from God, our Father, on His knees in a stable in Bethlehem. Reaching out his arms and calling us to come to him. Love, joy and kindness imbue His words and His demeanor. The birth of Jesus pulsates with “don’t be afraid”. The shepherds in the field witnessing angels announcing peace on earth and goodwill to all, is an orchestral chorus of celebration and joy. It’s hope rising – hope drawing them into an identity and significance beyond their earning or imagination.

My question : “Is there really a God out there and if so, does He care or even see me” ?

His answer : “Yes, I not only see you. I know you and love you. I am real, and very down to earth. Do you want to see me? Then look at Jesus, read His story, listen to His words, follow His heartbeat. In Him I am revealed and will be known. That’s my meaning and intention for every Christmas and especially for you.”