The Dividing Line

As a society, we like to think about all the options and possibilities to a problem or question. We like to dissect it and look at the angles. We want shades of gray, not just black and white, because black and white is just too concrete. We want to include everyone, so we often refuse to draw a line. A hard decision on either side means there will be those on the other side. And for whatever reason, we’re just not comfortable with that. We want to open our arms and say, “Sure. Your point of view makes sense. I can see how you think that. And in fact, I think our different stances can coexist."

But there are times when that doesn’t work. Christmas is one of those times.

“What?! Christmas…a time of division? I thought it was all about family and carols and presents and peace on earth?"

But if you think about it, Christmas is one of the most divisive times ever. It should be. How can I say that? I can’t. I’m simply echoing what Jesus himself said.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:52

When Jesus came to the earth (which, as much as our world likes to try to forget it, is what Christmas is all about), his mission was simple: Usher people into a relationship with the Almighty God of the universe.

That’s not an easy mission, because too many people (for a multitude of reasons) don’t want to hear it. They feel unworthy. They don’t believe. They are angry. They are apathetic. The list is endless. But the truth is that there are no shades of gray with this one.

There’s a reality about this time of year that we often forget. Jesus—our savior, our redeemer, our forgiver, our priest, our king, our Lord—is the most divisive person to ever walk the earth. Our job is not to make him less divisive. Our job is to show people the reality of who he is. Our job is to tell people how he changed our lives; how he brought us from one side of the dividing line to the other. Our job is to tell people how Jesus brought us from pathetically dying to truly living.

This weekend, right now, you have a choice to make. You can look at the birth of Jesus through one of two lenses. Either you look at it as the moment God came to earth to save you, and that you now have a responsibility to tell others. Or you think, “That’s a nice story,” and go on watching your ‘holiday’ specials.

Don’t mistake the message of Christmas this year. Instead, show people how strong the dividing line is…and how much God wants them to be on the side with him!