by Pastor Curtis Schockey

Through signs in our yards, or the sweaters we wear, to even the jewelry we put on, this time of year provides a stage to proclaim what we believe. It has become a time of year in which people of other faiths or no faith at all tolerate a little Christian joy. However,
as time goes on the tolerance is shrinking for those who want to proclaim the birth of their Savior. We see the workplace, the stores, the media, and even our neighbors asking that we all be aware of how a nativity scene can be offensive or even the phrase “Merry Christmas”.
Their goal is to be all inclusive during the holidays.

The world struggles to bring people together through “non-offensive” tactics and ideas of subjective realities that must be validified through others acceptance. The idea is a beautiful one, that we could all learn to live in harmony, however the means used today are inadequate. This idea is not random, and not originated around an individual people. It is international humanity that looks for peace and joy. Little do they know that the peace and joy they long for came down more than 2,000 years ago.
A little over 2,000 years ago people were also longing for peace and joy. Their hope was in a promise made to them about peace and joy coming in the future, and liberation of all people into righteousness. People would see a harmony among all nations that had never existed before. However, a great sacrifice would take place to allow this new way to be established. So where was this promise and how would it arrive?

Something so great and wonderful should have a grand entrance with all the media, with all the parades, and with all the stars opinions to bring it into the world, right? Afterall, this is how we validate the birth of “new” ideas in our culture today. No, instead the Promise would have humble beginnings. In place of world-renowned media, there were angels seen by a few, instead of parades there was a feeding trough for a bed, and rather than star’s opinions humble shepherds come off the hills to give praise. This setting seems to be very inadequate to grow what has been longed for by humanity. With such humble beginnings there must be a bigger plan.
It is almost offensive to declare such a grand plan of peace and joy from such a small platform. This is where we see that humanity was not involved in the planning, and thus it could not be the climax of the story. When pride fills the house, peace and joy can only stand outside and knock. It is through humility that God works so that peace and joy can come into the world. “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) “For He Himself is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14)

When the world seeks to be the point of the story, they find a peace and joy that can only be temporary. So, God in all of His wisdom and love, has made a way that is eternal, where man can find a sustaining peace and joy that cannot be imagined. It can only be found in Jesus. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) Merry Christmas!

Pastor Curtis Schockey is presently the youth pastor of Living Stone Calvary Church, located at 830 Bridge Street in Cañon City, CO.