It is fitting that we mark history by the coming of the Saviour to earth. We do this as we count the years since His arrival, but also in advent celebrations which reach their crescendo on Christmas Day. Our celebration is never an excuse for indulging in the very sins that Christ came to free us from. But the celebration should also not be seen as a distraction in our battle against the sins, sorrows, and thorns that infest our world. Rather, we celebrate with vigour because our sins are forgiven. Our consciences are clean. We have inherited eternal life. Our celebration fills us with gladness as we lay siege of the darkness. Too often we justify laziness and self-indulgence by telling ourselves 'it's the holidays'. Christmas is not a permission slip for sin; it's a feast that invigorates us, one of the blessings that flow out as far as the curse is found.
