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Why the Christmas Story Isn't Finished
By Joni Eareckson Tada
“… 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.” — Luke 2:10–11
A Holy Day
Rummaging through our garage one December afternoon, I
sniffed the unmistakable fragrance of new leather.
My seven-year-old fingers found it behind a box — a new
pony bridle.
From that very moment, Santa Claus was dethroned from my
childhood.
No more leaving milk and cookies on the mantelpiece on
Christmas Eve. No more pleading letters to the North Pole. No more sugar and
carrots for the reindeer.
I was relieved. Something deep down had told me that it was
all a ploy, anyway.
From then on, December 25th carried a new meaning. It was a
special day — a holy day.
The candlelight service on Christmas Eve at church had a
new and deeper meaning.
Almost overnight, Christmas Eve became one of those “silent
nights” to ponder the miracle of Jesus.
On this side of eternity, Christmas is a promise.
A Celebration To Come
And ponder I did, long and
earnest. But always, as I sat back into the pew, I expected something else to
happen — something to fill the longing inside of me.
I know now that I was deep
into a Christmas longing. It’s a longing each of us senses this time of year —
especially when we listen to the child inside of us.
It’s a desire to be home, to
belong, to find fulfillment, complete and eternal. Christmas is an invitation
to a celebration yet to happen.
On this side of eternity, Christmas
is a promise. The Savior brings inner peace to those who receive him. But the
story is not finished until there is peace in our world.
Every Christmas is still a
“turning of the page” until Jesus returns.
Every December 25th marks
another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us
closer to our heavenly home.
Every Christmas carol is a
beautiful echo of the heavenly choir that will one day fill the universe with
joy and singing.
Each Christmas gift is a
foreshadowing of the gifts of golden crowns to be cast at the feet of the King
of Kings.
Each smile, each embrace,
beckons us onward and calls us upward when those who have received the gift of
God’s Son will see the Lord face to face.
Angels hovering over
treetops may have heralded His birth in the Bethlehem night, but one day they
will herald the dawning of a new day.
Joy and Peace
This Christmas I pray that
God will fill the longing of your heart with the reality of his Son.
May the babe of Bethlehem
who gave his life on the cross of Calvary bring you love and joy and peace
throughout the year and on into eternity.
“… 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.” — Luke
2:10–11
This article is adapted from the tract Christmas Is a Promise by Joni Eareckson Tada.
Joni Eareckson Tada is founder
and CEO of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center, which
ministers to thousands of disabled people and their families through programs
of practical encouragement and spiritual help. She is also an artist and the
author of numerous best-selling books such as Joni; Heaven: Your Real Home; and When God Weeps.
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