Christmas Could Be Dangerous!

It would be quite hard to believe that anything as gentle and peaceful as a babe in a manger, could be dangerous. We sing the gentle songs of Christmas: "how silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given". and "silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright."

But these carols could be mis‑leading! Herod wasn't singing any carols about "peace on earth, good will to men." He was storming! He was crafty, and he vowed to get rid of this possible intruder to the Kingdom.

But most of the time, we don't get excited about the danger of the coming of Jesus. We don't see it as any particular threat to our way of life! Maybe we should, but we don't!

A traveler coming back from the Holy Land carried with him a beautiful olive wood carving of the manger scene. It was beautiful, carved with care and perfection. But when the traveler arrived at customs, they insisted on X‑raying all of his possessions, including the nativity scene. When he asked why, the officer said, "we have to make sure there is nothing explosive in them."

The traveler was able to keep his Christmas scene, because there was nothing explosive in it! And yet, Christ is an explosive factor in today's world! His presence at the peace tables, could turn mankind around completely. His love and forgiveness could bring about a slowing of the arms race, and perhaps a stopping of it all together! The revolutionary spirit of Jesus could make us stop hoarding our money and give it away. We might even begin to love our enemies.

Watch out! Getting too much of the spirit of the real Christmas could be dangerous! It could change your whole way of living. Maybe that would be an improvement. Think about it. You could be a new you!