“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people; for today in the City of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10
So just what do you see and just what do others see in celebration of Christmas? Can those who go to parties mistake it as a time of merriment? Can those who cruise the malls with ever expanding bags of gifts and an every decreasing credit line mistake it as a time to give and get the material gifts of life? Can those who just read the Christmas story and overlook the majesty of the moment mistake it as a mere historical event? So just what is the significance of the birth of the Christ Child?
I recently heard a Jewish man talking about why he wore the skullcap, known as a kipa in the Hebrew language. I was fascinated at his explanation, as it opened my eyes as to another perspective on the birth of Christ.
When I asked, he said he would be delighted to write it down and send it to me and the following is the note he sent to me:
“I am happy to share with you the reason Orthodox Jews and other people of faith wear the skullcap (kipa). Since the time of Abraham, we have understood the greatness of the Creator of us all. To demonstrate that, we acknowledge that he is everything and although he has created in his own image, there exists a great separation between him and us as there is a separation between heaven and earth. To demonstrate that separation, our humility, love and obedience to him, we wear the skullcap.”
That gave me a whole new perspective on my Christian faith. If those people who are still looking for the Messiah need to demonstrate a separation between man and God, then we as Christians need to understand that Christ’s coming as Savior and Lord connected that separation between man and God.
Jesus came to take off my kipa. The sin established in the Garden of Eden separated us from God until a baby born in a manger later shed His blood so that sin would no longer separate me from my Creator. He was not only mighty in creation, but mighty in salvation. He conquered my obstruction and when he ripped the temple vale, He restored my separation from my Creator.
So, as you celebrate Christmas remember that because of the baby in the manger, your head is bare and you have direct access to the one who created you.
By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
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