Christmas reminds us anew that God has not forgotten us. He loves us—loves us so much that he sought out our lonely planet wandering on its stray path through the universe and visited us. He entered our human race, and for our salvation lived and died and rose again. He still loves us. By his spirit he now woos us to repent of our sin and to place our trust in the strong hands of the Saviour. And in Christ we have everything that brings ultimate meaning to human existence.
It is well that Christmas marks the end of the old year for the passing of it is also a time of annual reckoning. The bottom line, honestly drawn, cuts sharply across our human pride. Excuses fall away. We stand alone and naked before our Maker.
Yet Christmas reminds us once again that divine grace triumphs over human sin and sorrow. With Isaac Watts we sing: “Joy to the World! The Lord is Come; Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.”
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
As my doubts about his teachings grew, so did a secret fascination with Jesus.
The Grammy-winning artist was found dead at her home in Nashville at age 47.
