Christmas Division

             It’s the day after Christmas. The packages are all opened, the bellies are still stuffed and some family members have already gone back to their homes.

            While Christmas is supposed to be a day to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you may be reflecting back to your own gathering yesterday, saddened because there are members of your own family who don’t believe.  They don’t accept the baby born in the manger was really God incarnate, who came to earth as a living sacrifice for our sins. They may not believe in the resurrection or that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Christmas is just another holiday for them, a time to visit with family members and exchange gifts.

            Jesus understands your frustration.

            For the thirty-three years Jesus was on the earth, his own brothers did not believe in him. In fact, Jesus’ family thought he was off his rocker. One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said. (Mark 3:20-21)

            Do your unbelieving family members think your zealousness for your faith is a little over the top?

            Later, in John 7:3-5, Jesus brothers appeared to be either mocking him or desirous of some kind of sign when they encouraged him to go to the Feast of the Tabernacles in Judea.

            “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.  Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

            I imagine Jesus prayed for his brothers, James, Joseph, Simon and Judas on a regular basis, just like we do for our unbelieving relatives, but for thirty-three years, the prayers seemed unanswered. The brothers were not walking testimonials for Jesus’ ministry.

            But miraculously, the resurrection changed everything.

            In 1 Corinthians 15-7-8, Paul tells us Jesus did not forget his brothers and knew that a post-crucifixion appearance might be enough to change their opinion of him.

            Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

            I’m guessing James was a believer from that point on and didn’t waste any time running back to share the resurrection news flash. James went on to lead the Jerusalem church, write the Biblical book of James and described himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was eventually one of the first ones martyred for his faith in AD 62. What a transformation!  

            But was James’ firsthand account enough to sway Jesus’ other brothers? In Acts 1, it’s clear that shortly after the resurrection Jesus’ brothers also had a dramatic turn around, as they were gathered with the other disciples waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.

            They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

            So what does this mean for those of us who have family members who miss the true meaning of Christmas?

            We should continue to live out our faith as Jesus did.

             Even though his brothers mocked him and thought he was crazy, Jesus never stopped doing ministry because of their ridicule. He consistently lived out his faith in front of them.

            We can pray for their salvation.

            Even when the rejection is fierce.  Even when it is hopeless, we should never stop praying. Moments before his death on the cross, the thief next to Jesus professed his belief in the Messiah and Jesus assured him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43) It’s never too late.

            We can ask Jesus to make a personal appearance.

            In Jesus’ brothers’ case, it took a face to face meeting with the resurrected Christ for them to change their opinion. Jesus still makes house calls today. We can pray for our loved ones to have a one on one encounter, not unlike what happened to 500 plus after the resurrection.

            We can be comforted knowing Jesus understands.

            It must have been difficult to know what Jesus knew and see disbelief in the eyes of his brothers, but he never gave up hope.  He knew one day they’d come around. He trusted one day the division would be healed and they’d believe in the true meaning of Christmas.  That should also be our hope.