Most westerners think of the Christmas season as the period between late November and December 25th. But technically that was Advent. The season of Christmas begins on December 25th. Does it matter? Yes.
The reason is in the words themselves:
Advent means “arrival.” Throughout Advent we anticipate Christ’s coming. And finally, on Christmas day, we celebrate his arrival, his presence with us. We eat. We laugh. We eat some more. But soon it will be time to go. Why? Because…
Christmas means “Christ’s sending.” Jesus was sent to redeem a lost and broken world, but according to Him, Christmas also means our sending (John 20:21). Just as the Father sent Him, He sends us. True, the Christmas season ends and the decorations must be put away. But the real Christmas–Christ’s sending–never ends. My old church in L.A. had a sign over the exit that read, “You are now entering the mission field.”
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis shows us a broken world where it is “always winter, and never Christmas.” We’re called to reverse that status, fellow disciples, to make this a world where it is…
Christmas forever!
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
So true and beautifully written. Thank you for this. Love Joni – Hard not to just love CS Lewis.
True indeed. Merry Christmas forever, Joni.
Thank you very much. Love ❤️ Joni
“You are now entering the mission field.” I love that!
Great post, Mitch.
Thanks, Bill–Merry Christmas forever!
Beautifully stated. And now I want to read “Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe” again. 😊
You’re in for a treat. LW&W is the first of 7 Chronicles of Narnia books. They’re quick reads–more stories than novels, really–but rich with allegory.
Amen, awesome! I love that sign at your old church too. So true! God bless!
You too, Ryan!
Yes!
john 45:46-47 look onto thee & you will be saved
missing john 20:22 a merry heart does good like a medicine
how old was your father at death
how old was he gonna turn the same year of death
Amen – my church has a similar sign: “Depart to serve”
Yes, I believe Christmas really serves as a reminder for our core purpose which is to serve God and spread His love all around. Beautiful post; so apt!
Thank you, Ada. Merry Christmas forever!
🙂 😍
Amen!!
My eight year old niece stated how she wished it was Christmas everyday. If I had read this before hearing that, I would have given her a better response. Thank you for the reminder.
Happy Christmas and Happy New year 🎉
Thank you, Jeena, and the same to you.
🙏😊
C. SLewis shows us a broken world where it is “always winter, and never Christmas.” We’re called to reverse that status, fellow disciples, to make this a world where it is…
Christmas forever!
I like it most
Reminds me of “Go live sent!”
Thanks, Mitch, for doing exactly that 🙂
Well said Mitch!
Thank you, Luke.
you didn’t mention john 20:22
& john 45:46-47
No, I didn’t. Why should I have, Rudy?
yes & quote john 45:46-47
look unto thee & you will be saved
That doesn’t tell me why, Rudy. And the gospel of John doesn’t have that many chapters.
a merry heart does good like a medicine says 20:22
in colby’s clubhouse you did sang the gospel of john chapter 45
Never thought of it that way, thanks!
john 20:22 a merry heart does like medicine
a broken spirit dries up the bones
how old was your father at death
the lord is my refuge & strength