There is so much anger in our world today. Anger surrounding politics. Anger about changing social norms and mores. Anger spurred on by angry chatter on social media. Anger about inflation. Anger about the way the pandemic was handled and is being handled. Anger about wages. Anger about the weather and climate change. The liberals are angry at the conservatives. The conservatives are angry at the liberals. The independents are angry at everyone. Women are angry at men. Men are angry at women. It goes on and on and on. We spend incredible amounts of time and energy talking about what we are against instead of talking about and celebrating what we are for. For me, I am for the message of Christmas and that message does not leave room for anger.
Flatirons Community Church Pastor Jim Burgen explains it this way. He said Christmas and the birth of Christ is really the story of God’s plan to redeem the world through you and me doing what Christ teaches us to do. We are Jesus’ plan A. There is no plan B no matter how much society tries to tell us there is. How can we possibly be angry when we have been presented with a gift like Christ and His desire to redeem us back to the Father?
There is no doubt, accepting that gift of redemption and salvation is not easy. Pastor Burgen puts it this way, “Christian formation is not an event.” Contrary to what some might tell you it is not as simple as saying a prayer asking for forgiveness and for Christ to come into your heart. Certainly that is a step but Christian formation is a process that will last your entire life here on earth. We will be challenged every minute of every day to stand up to those who will angrily condemn us for our belief. We must take a stand against those challenges by not returning the anger. Remember, the message of Christmas does not allow for anger. The message of Christmas gives us the confidence and strength to defend and share our faith without the need to respond to challenges and criticism with anger.
I am a prime example of the process of Christian formation. I am so far from where I believe God wants me to be. Every day despite my prayers and resolve I fail in so many ways. I am finally beginning to realize that getting angry serves no purpose. Nor does my lack of self control in dealing with those who criticize and condemn me for being a follower of Christ. I would be lying if I told you that I no longer fall into the trap of anger. All you have to do is ask Terrie or my sons and they will assure you I often display embarrassing anger when someone opposes me or things don’t go my way. I know in my heart those displays of anger set me up to look like a hypocrite and give the opposition fodder for further attacks. I also know that if I stop for a minute, take a breath and then remember the message of Christmas the anger will be cancelled.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that you will not submit to the anger or the world. Instead, embrace the message of Christmas and use the strength of that truth to erase anger.
Doug's Journey 