This isn’t just a click bait title, it’s an honest question. Did Jesus die for your Christmas entertainment? It may jar to be talking about Jesus death at Christmas, a time when traditionally Christians celebrate his birth. So with out further pre amble let’s discuss the question.
Romance versus Reality
It only takes seconds of searching online to find a romance movie set at Christmas time. I’ve been wanting to write this article all year but as always I write what I feel is most important at the time. As my last article for the year I had to finally write this one.
How much of the media you consume lines up with God’s perfect plan for you?
The last thing I want is for you to feel condemned, when honestly answering that question. The purpose of this article is to help you in your relationship with your creator.
Rules versus Relationship
If you currently or have ever had a problem with watching movies, tv shows, listening to music, or reading books that you know doesn’t align with God’s plan for you, my understanding is because you are trying to obey a rule, rather than living out a relationship.
I’m not writing about media you might only consume in private that no one else knows about. This article certainly applies to that as well. Let’s discuss the media you are happy to confess you consume in public. How much of the media you watch with friends or family models the freedom Jesus died to give you? Did Jesus die so you could satisfy your fleshly desires or live free from them?
Is marrying early the answer?
When reading what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7 it would be easy to think the answer is to marry early and quickly so as not to sin. My suggestion is instead to discover a desire to give rather than to receive. The majority of love stories I’ve seen even from “Christian” media revolves around emotions. I feel therefore I act. The main characters have feelings for each other so they become physically intimate before marriage. The musical score is used to heighten your emotional response as you feel two people connecting and start to desire it for yourself.
The broken hearts club
If someone can break your heart is your identity based on your relationship with them or your relationship with Jesus? Have ever been cheated on in a relationship? When you found out did you feel more hurt by them, or for them? Where you more focused on your own brokenness or theirs?
Sex or Solitude
Are the only choices live in sin even though you don’t want to or get married to theoretically stop sinning or live a life of solitude? I propose the best alternative is to live free. For decades “the church” has taught a watered down Jesus. When your relationship with your creator goes beyond your head knowledge and based off someone else’s revelation, and becomes more real than any human relationship, you can truly live free.
Fallacies versus Freedom
50/50, my better half, they are out of my league, you complete me.. they may sound nice but they are selling yourself and your saviours sacrifice short. He died so you could live 100/100. He died so you could be whole. He died so you could know your true worth. He died so you could be reunited with him now, while you are here on earth and be complete with him. He doesn’t want to meet a stranger in heaven.
You are loved
I wish you could hear my tone if voice while reading this. It would be on the verge of tears I love you so much. I know I may not know you personally, but don’t doubt my love for you. I grew up surrounded by dysfunctional relationships, I’ve lived out my own dysfunctional relationships. Everyone of them each person was more concerned about themselves than the other person. Yes, I’ve been part of the problem, so what is the solution?
Christianity is counter cultural
I’d be ecstatic if reading my words led to 2022 being the best year of your life. I’m next expecting that to happen, but I’m praying it helps you shift from trying to follow the “rules” because you are trying to be good, to being so in love with Jesus that you follow the rules because you are free.
Enjoy this time of year and share his love with others every chance you get. If you are already in a relationship may you see them through Jesus eyes more than you ever have before. If you aren’t currently in a relationship may you see yourself through Jesus eyes like never before. The more you do, the healthier relationship choices you will make. Jesus didn’t just die because you were a sinner. He died to be reunited with his lost sons and daughters. He wanted his family back, and he still does.
Unwrap that gift this Christmas.
Neville Hiatt was the 2020 Press Services International Tronson Senior Writers Award Winner for Australia. His previous posts for can be read here.
He spent a decade working for Radio Stations before his career was intermissioned by someone in a hurry to get home from work. For more of his award winning creativity visit http://nevillehiatt.com.
He also blogs for http://altcoincollege.com/covering the way cryptocurrencies and blockchain are changing our world.
