The essence of all that Christmas is – Sunday, December 25, 1960
We have spoken before of the several sides of this season. But beyond all else, all the festivities, all the gathering of families and friends, the gayety, the gifts and giving, beyond all the outward evidence, there is yet a side to consider which is the essence of all that Christmas is.
By its very name (and by much more) Christmas is a commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ—the Son of God, our Savior —who was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, the Only Begotten of the Father who lived, and taught, and gave His gospel, who died, and literally was resurrected—and assured us all the opportunity of everlasting life.1
Accept it or not, rationalize it, or choose to wave it away, yet Christmas without this cause, without this conviction, is devoid of that which most makes it all it is. And despite discouragements, misgivings, disappointments; despite personal and public problems, some of them too sobering for mere men to decide—despite the fact that men and nations too frequently have failed to hear or heed the message of the Prince of Peace—yet does this season symbolize some blessed assurances: that there is eternal plan and purpose, that the answers will be found, that the problems will be solved, and that He who is the Father of us all, who made us in His own image, and who sent His Son not to condemn but to save, will deal with us in justice and in mercy, and will not leave us alone.
There is the assurance also that life with loved ones everlastingly, is part of His plan and purpose—all of which more than justifies all the effort, all the doing, all the enduring. The comfort and courage that come with these convictions are among the greatest gifts of Christmas. So let it be a time for the sweet gathering together of families and friends, for ruling out false pride, gossip and grudges, thoughtless acts, and utterances.
Let the Spirit of Him whose day it is move in upon us with its kindliness and consideration, with less of cynicism, less of discouragement, and more of the hope and courage that come with the keeping of His commandments; more of the blessed peace that follows repentance. And against all outward and inward disquietings, and wondering, and searching, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”2 and witness with the words of Job the conviction that these things we celebrate are so: “…I know that my redeemer liveth,…” Thus, may we keep Christmas. *
1John 14:27
2Job 19:25
*Revised
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station KSL and the CBS Radio Network, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, December 25, 1960, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Eastern Time. Copyright 1960
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December 25, 1960
Broadcast Number 1,636