Christmas at the Crucifixion

As Jesus Christ died for us on the cross, the gospel of Matthew says, "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom" (Matthew 27:51 KJV). The astute writer of Hebrews didn't want us to miss the point. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh...Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:19-20, 22 KJV).

Song writers of centuries past knew their Bibles and knew their theology. The next time you join to sing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," you'll know exactly what Charles Wesley meant when he penned the words:

"Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Diety!

Pleased as man with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel!"

When the flesh of Jesus Christ was "rent" for us, there was God. Rejoice in the Christ of Christmas, the Cross, and the Resurrection.

HALLELUJAH!

Have you seen and listened to some of these RANDOM ACTS OF CULTURE on YouTube? Marvelous renditions of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus have filled malls throughout the USA. We associate the Hallelujah Chorus with Christmas, but its place in the Messiah musical narrative comes at the celebration of Christ's resurrection, not at His birth in Bethlehem.

How appropriate that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ makes Christmas worth celebrating.

"For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Revelation 19:6 KJV). Hallelujah!