When Peter Tchaikovsky died in 1893 he never could have imagined he would someday sell everything from expensive horseless carriages to inexpensive toiletries at Kmart. Perhaps it’s because the music of his Nutcracker Ballet has become so associated with Christmas, or because it receives no copyright royalties, or just because it is so beautiful that merchants use it so often as background in their commercials. If Tchaikovsky could have received a nickel for every product he has sold he would be wealthier than Bill Gates. Then again we must not forget whose birthday is being used to stimulate the economy by getting us to shop.
Believing that Jesus voluntarily surrendered his omniscience when He became a man, then neither could He have known how many toys, autos, clothes and computers He would someday sell via His made-up birthday. There is so much irony in all this thing we call Christmas. It is a delightful time. The music is great. (Pretty much. I’m not so sure of the Chipmunks singing “Jingle Bells.”) Most people are a bit nicer. (Worried about that “list.”) And perhaps, just maybe, some people give a bit more thought to the real reason. I am of the opinion that anything that draws people’s thoughts to the gift at Bethlehem has some merit.
Therefore, during the day as I drive about I will enjoy hearing about partridges in pear trees and drummer boys. But my real thoughts, my solemn thoughts will be about the vulnerability of Jesus as one of us and His victory over sin. As happy as pretty lights and decorated trees make me, the real joy that brings tears to my eyes will always be about what happened in a filthy animal stall in Bethlehem.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 13, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org