The first words out of Jesus’ mouth in the Gospel of Mark are “The time has come, the Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news,” (1:15). This is an important message for us as we begin this Christmas season. Matthew and Luke tell of angelic messengers, a miraculous conception, and a heavenly child. John preaches the cosmic Word becoming a human like you and I, dwelling among us, and blessing us. Mark’s account of Jesus’ arrival also has something to teach us about worship. So what is it?It tells us that we should repent and submit to Jesus’ authority. Mark states this right out of the gate: “The time has come, the Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news,” In other words, “Check yourself! The Son of God is looking you in the eye. Pledge your undying allegiance to me!” Mark does not mention the birth or childhood of Jesus. He allows the other Gospels to fill in that information. Mark instead announces a grown up Son of God who proclaims God’s authority, demands repentance, and imparts the Holy Spirit. This not-so-cuddly Jesus is just as much a part of the Christmas story as the baby Jesus introduced in the other gospels. Jesus Christ, Son of God, has the authority to announce God’s kingdom, call us to repentance, save us from sin, and save us from death. Merry Christmas!
This is a different Christmas message than what we hear at the mall. While the other gospels go on to tell the full story of Jesus’ coming, the retailers stop with Jesus’ birth. The scene is set: everyone adores the sweet baby Jesus because He is as cute as a cabbage patch doll (a great stocking stuffer for your daughter, on sale for only $29.99 at Toys R US). Seldom does the mall’s depiction of the Christmas story tell the rest of the story. It doesn’t mention the perfect God of the Old Testament. It doesn’t mention human sin and the death that sin causes. It doesn’t mention that because God became human in Jesus Christ, God has conquered sin and death! That little, wonderful baby conquers sin and death and holds the keys to the world’s salvation! The mall doesn’t share that message. It might be bad for business.
But as for our church family, don’t let the mall’s portrayal of Christmas change the Christian’s portrayal of Christmas. This Christmas, don’t let your worship stop at the historical fact that Jesus of Nazareth was born a couple of millennia ago. As you are surrounded by the flurry of Christmas plays, dinner parties, shopping, gift exchanges, and vacation, come to terms with the fullness of Jesus’ arrival on planet Earth. Let the reason WHY Jesus came penetrate your life. Whether you are a new convert or lifelong believer, take Mark’s good news to heart. Jesus Christ is Lord of heaven and earth. He is declaring the closeness of His Kingdom. He is calling you to repentance. Believe His good news and follow Him. Worship Him! You will be saved.
