There are many things we can ask ourselves after unthinkable events like the shooting in Connecticut yesterday. Can we base our society on humanism and good will and expect it to hold its own? Can we keep anything or anyone from being taken away from us? Do our rights really free us? Is there anything we can control?
I am sure many people are asking this simple question: why?
I would like to counter by offering a simple statement in response: why.
Not why?
Why. The reason why.
Everything that causes us to die inside, whether near or far, reminds us why Christmas is so important. It is important because no amount of good will, equality or tolerance will clean us of our sin; because our rights will never completely free us; because no amount of control over our lives will keep the chaos at bay; because the only thing in this life that we can claim as our own is our guilt.
Sin answers the question: why Christmas?
What Jesus did for us can never be covered up, taken away, murdered or undone. It is the gift of freedom from guilt and life eternal. That is why we celebrate Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Brandon