Archive for December 2010
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed a date day recently thanks to my parents being willing and seemingly excited about a six-child invasion into their normally quieter lives (The kids do love their Mimi and Pop-pop so). We had a very nice meal and did some shopping before using a gift card to see a movie. Given that we very rarely go to the theaters we usually like to make the most out of such opportunities. Many movies are fine for watching on DVD or Netflix but offer no reason to see them in theaters. To be theater worthy in our book means it must be visually stunning (chocked full of special effects) and/or action packed such that the larger screen and improved sound system actually makes a difference. Comedies and Dramas usually are reserved for home viewing for instance.
Upon this occasion we chose the new Tron Legacy movie. I recall seeing the 1982 original on VHS many years ago and remembered how exciting the high-tech thriller was. Actually that’s mostly all I remember about it other than playing the video game a few times. Having heard the hype about Jeff Bridges playing opposite a computer animated younger Jeff Bridges and the revamping of the super cool light cycles I thought this was definitely theater worthy. We certainly enjoyed the day and the movie did not disapoint. Visually it is a thrill ride with improved graphics and all the user vs program tension from the original. The best part, however for me was afterward when discussing the movie with my wife.
We were conversing about the fact that although Jeff Bridges character was the creator of this alternate world and though his son somehow also was translated/teleported into it, they couldn’t just reprogram it all and end the conflict. This of course would have NOT made a hit at the box office and been much shorter… but more than that it struck me that the TRON storyline is the epitome of man made religion. It is a glimpse into the mentality of many unbelievers’ understanding (read MISunderstanding) of the gospel. It reminded me of talking to my kids about Greek mythology. Their gods in almost no way actually resemble God. They, like TRON: Legacy are the way men would have written the gospel and in some ways continue to write and speak about it today.
The mythological gods much like Flynn (Jeff Bridges) in TRON: Legacy are completely insufficient. He like they created a ‘world’ but then their own creation rebelled and became more powerful so that the creator becomes subject to the creation. This view reminds me of the first chapter of Romans where people professed to be wise and in fact were foolishly worshiping the creation over the creator. In TRON: Legacy the creator (Flynn) of the alternate digital world is called at one point a false deity. Many make the same claim of the One True God today.
Praise be to God that Christ is nothing like this in reality. He is all sufficient! Unlike these fictional characters He came into the world that He created but was NEVER subject to it. It is true that He ‘veiled His glory’ and in fact suffered in the flesh but never was He not in control. Never was the Lord unable to simply will that things cease and/or change. His authority was maintained throughout His earthly ministry (Matt 26:53) and He chose to continue to be obedient to the Father’s will even unto death for our atonement (Phil 2:8)
No friends I won’t spoil the movie for you but suffice to say Flynn and his son are absolutely subject to the applicable ‘laws of nature’ in the created digital neon world that makes TRON and its sequel so fascinating. They face real danger of being ‘de-rezzed’ which would be the end of them even in the ‘real world’. Jesus on the other hand willingly condescended being subject to the Father’s will, not to any of ‘creation’ or even fallen angels; openly displayed His authority over this natural world repeatedly by performing miracles (read any of the gospels); laid down His own life willingly (no one took it – John 10:18); and His death in this world led to victory over this world and forever has secured our justification (Rom 8:34). He and He alone is sufficient to save. He is both creator and Lord of all. His authority is never in danger of being over thrown. Winds and waves have always obeyed His will. Enjoy TRON and other stories but know that even these often atheistic entertainment venues declare the supremacy of Jesus Christ!
Okay, I am NOT going to hash out the issue of pagan roots in Christmas traditions, etc. What I am going to do is to challenge you on your own holiday activities/attitudes.
First let’s take a quick quiz…
Complete this text as far as you can: ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…..
OK, now try this one: Now you know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer…
One more: Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way…
What’s wrong? Prefer the more traditionally quoted passage? OK, try finishing it: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus…
Quickly made point: Most all of us know more of the “traditional” or “secular” Christmas than we do of the true incarnation of Christ. If this were not true we would not be picturing wise men visiting the stable (check it for yourself) or many of the other mistakes that are common.
BUT ALL THAT ASIDE WHAT I REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS:
Although there is usually a significant effort on the part of many churches to remind folks of “The Reason For The Season” even that slogan has become a generic often meaningless mantra. What I mean by this is sadly there have been MANY well intentioned people who tried to overcome even my grinchy attitude reminding me how important it is to celebrate the real event of the birth of Christ. Then it happens… I ask “Why? It is the answer to that question that I want you to ponder. Why is it important to celebrate the birth of Christ? Many times the answer is given “It is the most important event in human history!” (I hope you read that and say, “NO IT’S NOT!”)
The single most important event in human history took place outside Jerusalem at a place called Golgotha. It is not my intent to convince you to avoid Christmas or from telling about the very Son of God being born as a human baby in Bethlehem. It is my intent to remind you that the significance of a manger is the cross! The virgin birth is a doctrine of primary significance, but only as it finds fulfillment in the death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus! The birth of Jesus should NEVER be celebrated in isolation from the reason for it.
His very name proclaimed the reason for His coming! Matt 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
The angels openly proclaimed it! Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Simeon identified him! Luke 2:29-32 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
So celebrate! Rejoice! MY SAVIOR has come through a humble birth. I openly proclaim my belief in the lowly, virgin birth of the Christ child in a stable in Bethlehem just as the Bible says. More than that, the Bible teaches that the reason there was the manger was that there would be the cross. The biblical nativity was not recorded for Hallmark’s benefit. It was for the benefit of unworthy and helpless sinners like me. I hope people see that as the reason for any and all celebrating I do this Christmas season. I hope the same for you.
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