May I ask a question?
What does it mean to you when you hear the oft-repeated words, “It’s Christmas time?” Is it only a common post-Thanksgiving phrase to be replaced by “Happy New Year,” as we move from one celebration to the next, or is it a reminder of how we have the privilege of being privy to God’s divine design, where He sent forth His Son in the fullness of time?
According to the truth of Scripture, and the trace of cultural times, the arrival of Jesus was not only preordered from eternity, but it was perfectly aligned with humanity and history. The facts surrounding the Christmas story, and the prophecy meticulously pointing to the birth of a Savior, cannot be denied in the grand scheme and unfolding of time.
From the days of Adam and Eve, up to those of you and I, every interaction and situation should be seen through the lens of God’s sovereign persuasion. “In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4) to change our life’s trajectory.
Which begs the question: Are you still living B.C., or have you entered into A.D.? (B.C. is “before Christ,” and A.D. is the “year of our Lord”).
I know that my “life B.C.” was one of selfishness and recklessness, and though I celebrated Christmas yearly, I never lived like Christ is the Lord. It was a matter of time before my way of living came to a crashing halt.
Many of you, who read my column, know the tragedy I am talking about, which sent me away for a long time. However, experiencing Christmas behind a wall for the next four years became more meaningful to me than the 25 before, but how?
It was in the midst of catastrophe that I finally surrendered to “A.D.” It was there that Christ’s presence became my greatest gift, and infinitely trumped any amount of past Christmas presents. It was in the darkness that I sought the light, and then truly gave my life and time to the Lord.
As the historical calendar defines, time is calculated through Jesus’ life, so Jesus changed my time for all time. He stepped out of time and into time, to change time. This is why we can trust Him with our time, all the time.
You see, “It’s Christmas time” will forever take on a different tune when you know and live the difference between life “B.C.” and life “A.D.”
Before Christ had my heart, time was counting down, but once we come to Him and make Him king, time begins counting up toward eternity. Whether we go to Him, or He comes back for us, those who are His will be with Him forever in His presence.
That’s what “It’s Christmas time” means to me.
ED. NOTE: Maher is the teaching pastor at Coastal Christian Ocean City and is president of Soldiers For Faith Ministries. Social Media and website: @TruthOverTrend.
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