Make no mistake, I would rather live in a republic than a socialistic country. But both forms of governance are imperfect because they are directed by finite and fallen man. It is a theological problem as Solzhenitsyn astutely observes, “The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" In our country we have seen and are now seeing at a fever pitch the same result as Solzhenitsyn observed, “In our country the lie has become not just a moral category but a pillar of the State." This is a reflection of biblical anthropology reminding us that the stripe of sin runs up the back of every person. Christmas is God’s solution to a universal problem. SIN! Christmas is God’s answer to the eternal question, how can unjust men be in relationship with the Holy God? SUBSTITUTE. Ian Thomas reminds us, “The life that He lived qualified Him for the death that He died; the death that He died qualifies us to receive the life that He lived.” If this sounds like an Easter message, do not forget that without Christmas we do not have Easter. They both provide the theological truth without which we are dead in our sin. But Jesus became sin for us that we might enjoy and be, the righteousness of God. Christmas and Easter are the bookends of a life given, a life lived, and a life offered in love for you and for me. This is truly unfathomable, inscrutable, and incomprehensible. It is truly and uniquely Awesome. And so, we sing Joy to the World, we proclaim Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and reflect upon Silent Night. For that little baby was no ordinary little baby. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forever more. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7. Serving Him with you Until He comes for us,
Fred | 
