The Dark Side of Christmas: Sin, Death, and the Good News of Redemption

The Dark Side of Christmas

As we approach yet another Christmas season, it's easy to get caught up in the festivities and joy of the season. However, it's important to remember that the first Christmas wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, there is a dark side to Christmas that we often overlook.

The Reality of Sin and Death

The first Christmas was a reminder of the reality of sin and death in the world. The reason Jesus came to earth as a baby was to ultimately die on the cross for our sins. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The birth of Jesus was just the beginning of God's plan to save humanity from the consequences of sin.

It's easy to forget that the Christmas story didn't end with the birth of Jesus. In fact, King Herod's plot to kill all the male infants in Bethlehem reminds us of the darkness and evil in the world. As Matthew 2:16-18 recounts:

"Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 'A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.'"

This tragic event reminds us of the reality of sin and death in the world. Even during the season of joy and celebration, we must remember that there is a darkness that we cannot ignore.

The Importance of Good News

However, the Christmas story is not all doom and gloom. In fact, it is a story of hope and redemption. The birth of Jesus was the announcement of good news for all people. As the angel proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11:

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of a new era, a time when salvation was made available to all who would receive it. The darkness of sin and death was overcome by the light of Christ. As John writes in the opening of his Gospel:

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

The good news of Christmas is that Jesus came to bring light to the darkness. He came to bring hope to the hopeless, to heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free. As Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah:

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." (Isaiah 61:1)

This is the good news of Christmas. It's not just a story about the birth of a baby, but a story about the redemption of humanity.

The Call to Share the Good News

As Christians, we are called to share this good news with others. Just as the shepherds went and told others about the birth of Jesus, we too are called to proclaim the good news of salvation to the world. As Jesus himself said in Mark 16:15:

"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

Christmas is a perfect opportunity to share the good news with others. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can share with others the reason for our hope and joy. We can remind them that the darkness of sin and death has been overcome by the light of Christ. We can share with them the good news that salvation is available to all who would receive it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the dark side of Christmas reminds us of the reality of sin and death in the world. However, it also reminds us of the good news of salvation that came through the birth of Jesus. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us not forget the darkness that Jesus came to overcome. Let us also remember that we have been called to share the good news of salvation with others.