With the shopping flurry over, the gifts now opened, and the holidays moving toward a quieter stage, why not take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas?
Christians here and across the world commemorate the Savior’s birth on this day. But in a world of problems and strife… sometimes of hate and avarice… it would be well to ponder his teachings also.
Within them can be found guidelines for a happier, more tranquil life by individuals as well as ideas that nations could well apply in their quest for peace.
Unfortunately, however, large segments of mankind have turned their backs on His message. In the view of General Omar Bradley, “We have conquered the mysteries of the atom but we have rejected the Sermon on the Mount.”
What WAS Christ’s message on the Mount? Take 15 minutes during the holidays to read Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, and 7. This constitutes only a part of His teachings, of course, but the Sermon contains some landmark ideas in the cause of “peace on earth, good will toward men.”
A few examples:
– “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” Down through the generations this has come to be known as the Golden Rule.
– The message of the beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, they that mourn, the meek, those who thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers
– “Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
– ”…Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
– “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love they neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you…”
– “…Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
Perhaps the best tribute to the Savior on His day would be a re-reading of his total message and a recommitment by believers to His ideals.