Condemned
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
'For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 'Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.' - John 3:16-21
Why all the talk about condemnation on Christmas?
John doesn't pull any punches. He hits us between the eyes with a clear and not so pleasant message. The world was headed in the wrong direction, so God interceded, sending Jesus into the world to save it.
Do you believe that?
We will say we do in our prayers today and we will celebrate the birth with joy this evening and tomorrow, but we may get caught up in the notion of condemnation for those who don't believe.
When John talks about believing in the Son, he talks about coming into the light, letting all that is hidden be revealed, not just to God, but to everyone.
Are we ready for that?
Recently, many hidden deeds have come into the light and condemnation was swift, though it didn't come from God. It came from us.
Who are we to condemn?
It is easy to say I believe, but if I say that and continue to do what is wrong and keep it secret, what kind of believer am I?
John's message is an invitation to come out, to come into the light and save ourselves from our own personal condemnation. Let us truly believe that God loves us and wants us to be with Him forever.
What's not to like?
So, when we hear the words, we should seek to be fully in the light, fully open to confessing our faults. And in hearing the flaws and faults of others, we should not condemn, but pray for them.
That's the hard part. But as Jesus said to the men who wanted to stone the woman, let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
More to come...