In the grand scheme of things, how often do we truly relate Christmas to Good Friday and Easter? Sure, we understand that the three are connected because one could not occur without the other two; but I think it is so much more than that.
There seems to be some sort of stigma around the idea of speaking of the crucifixion when celebrating the birth of Christ, but I’m not so sure that stigma is necessary. I do believe that the Christmas story should be told on Christmas and the Easter story on Easter, but we must also always remember that Jesus’ birth cannot and should not be separated from Jesus’ death and resurrection and that Jesus’ death and resurrection cannot and should not be separated from Jesus’ birth.
It’s all connected.
His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension are all important and necessary parts of the Story we call Christianity. The birth of Christ begins it, his death and resurrection continue it, and his return will fulfill it. The work of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, is not yet done…but has just begun!
So, during this advent season, may we all remember and celebrate the joy of this season for ALL it gives. We are given peace, joy, love, and eternal life because Jesus was willing to be born in a manger and because he lived, died, rose, and ascended. Do not allow one to overshadow and outweigh the other, but celebrate each in the knowledge of the fullness of Christ’s work.
(Note: the above is original content written by this author in 2004. I suggest having a journal and Bible on-hand when you sit down with this devotional in order to complete the full aspects of it.)