It Means Everything: The Greatest Reason Ever Given

Luke 2:8-20

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Merry Christmas,

Shon

The Reason for the Season: The Story Behind the Story of Christmas

Ephesians 1:7-10

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

The Gospel According to St. Nick?!

I had never really given much thought to the words of  "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", until I saw this excerpt from John Piper.  When held up to the person of Christ (Isaiah 9:2-7; John 3:16), one can't help but notice a stark contrast between the two:

-Santa Claus is coming to judge me for what I've done and will reward me accordingly.

-Jesus came in order to save me from what I've done because he is full of grace and mercy, AND, he is in fact coming again to redeem the world from what I've done.  And since he has already accomplished everything that is required of me in himself (Matthew 5:17-20; John 19:28-30), all I have to do is believe in him...

So, which one should we be singing about?!

Bad News:  Santa Claus is Comin' To Town  -  John Piper

Come Thou long-expected Jesus 
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation, 
Hope of all the saints Thou art; 
Dear desire of every nation, 
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King, 
Born to reign in us forever, 
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone; 
By Thine all sufficient merit, 
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Come Thou long-awaited Emmanuel.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon