Christmas: The Defeat of Darkness (#77 of 365+)

“Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong” (Habakkuk 1:13)

Joni reminds again—although “God permits what he hates to
accomplish that which he loves”—evil grieves his heart. God can’t tolerate wrong. That’s why Jesus Christ left heaven to be born in this dark world. To redeem us from “the clutches of hell”.

When we see the Christmas story portrayed in movies and on the stage, we always see the shepherds and the angels. The bible says “a great company of the heavenly host appeared [to the shepherds] praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14). The event was such a big deal to heaven that the angels were bursting at the seams to share the good news. They created a spectacular scene in the night sky that certainly got the attention of more than just a few shepherds out in the field. Christmas brings to our minds thoughts of angels not demons but, as Joni wisely said, “The adversary and his wicked hoards knew this was the Child who would ultimately crush Satan and bring an end to wickedness in this world” (Genesis 3:15) and “From the day of his birth [they] began plotting against the Babe in the manger”. The forces of darkness had no idea that Christ’s death on the cross was what God had in mind (Colossians 2:15). As God the Son willingly bore the evil of the entire world’s sin upon himself on the cross, God the Father turned away from him (Matthew 27:46). It was a huge price to pay for our redemption, so we could have a relationship with the Father, but “God permits what he hates to accomplish that which he loves”.

Lyrics from Joy to the World:
“No more let sins and sorrows grow/Nor thorns infest the ground/He comes to make His blessings flow/Far as the curse is found!”

Lyrics from God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen:
“God rest ye merry, gentlemen/Let nothing you dismay/Remember, Christ, our Saviour/Was born on Christmas day/To save us all from Satan's power/When we were gone astray/O tidings of comfort and joy!”

Lord, help me to trust you when evil things happen. May I remember that you have already defeated the darkness and won the victory over everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.