God celebrated (“glorified”) the work and worth of Jesus Christ while He was on earth (John 8:54; 11:4). The ultimate act of celebrating the worth of Jesus was the resurrection from the dead (John 12:16). When Jesus is celebrated, God is celebrated (John 13:31).
The first day of each week, “with one accord with one voice” (Romans 15:6), we celebrate Jesus the Son, and God the Father. Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Thessalonica was that they would continue to celebrate Jesus (2 Thess. 1:11-12). We celebrate Jesus for all the things God supplies to us through Him (1 Peter 4:11).
We do not celebrate Jesus through manmade rituals – neither His birth, His life, nor His death. But it is eminently biblical to celebrate Jesus through God-approved acts of celebration – prayer, giving, the Lord’s Supper, Bible study, and singing.
Manmade rituals in worship (such as chorus singing or drama) are not acceptable to God (Matthew 15:3-9). Having said that, thanking God for Jesus becoming flesh is certainly appropriate. Studying the passages dealing with the virgin birth are appropriate. Yes, even singing songs that speak of the birth of Christ are very appropriate.
Without the incarnation, there could not have been a sacrifice for sin. No man, not even Moses himself, could have served as a sacrifice for sin (Exodus 32:31-33). “The soul that sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23).
A member of the Godhead had to step out of eternity, into man’s world, “born of a woman, born under the Law” (Galatians 4:4), so that He could be tempted to sin (Hebrews 4:15). Having the moral fortitude of One who had been in divine glory throughout all eternity (John 17:5), Jesus said “no” to sin and, thereby, became the sacrifice for our sins. The Word has become flesh and still dwells among us (John 1:14; Colossians 1:27).
Yes, let’s celebrate Jesus through the means He has authorized.
Paul Holland
