Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
As you take a moment to gaze at this image of the Washington Monument, proudly surrounded by flags in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., you might find yourself wondering, “What does this have to do with Christmas?” Don’t worry, we’ll get to that – I promise.
Let’s begin by exploring the symbolism of the Washington Monument. This impressive stone obelisk, made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, commemorates our nation’s first president, George Washington. Not only was he the first president, but he also served as the commander-in-chief of the army and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Before the Eiffel Tower in Paris was constructed, the Washington Monument held the title of the world’s tallest structure. George Washington’s dedication, strength, and unwavering commitment were crucial in securing our nation’s freedom. Thanks to his efforts, and those of the other Founding Fathers, we enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose in this country.
Did this path to freedom and peace start with Mr. Washington? No, not even close. In fact, that plan was put into effect when Jesus was born in a stable, amongst the animals, on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Jesus was the symbol of freedom and peace for the entire planet – past, present, and future. He accepted His fate, to enter a sinful world as a fragile baby – helpless, weak, and vulnerable. As He grew, He became focused, dedicated, determined and respectful.
His power wasn’t the kind you see in army generals; His power came from His Father and it was the power that is used “behind the scenes” – silent but steadfast. He changed lives along His journey, spreading the love, no one had ever seen. He was the ultimate leader, asking much from those that needed to give much and asking barely anything, from those that only needed to be asked. He WAS the plan. He fulfilled ALL and in doing so, gave us the ultimate gift – eternal life – the freedom and peace, not from another country ruling over us, but from the ultimate bondage – Sin. We, through Him, never have to worry again. God’s plan is summarized in the book of John, specifically in a few verses in the third chapter.
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Did I get you there? Do you see Christmas yet? Let’s take a few more steps, and I think it will become clear. To recap, I started with George Washington and moved to Jesus. Am I comparing the two? Not really. I reminded you of what George meant to our nation and how his work, along with many others, provided a freedom the country didn’t have before. With Jesus, the stakes are much higher. The plan, process, and execution were very different. In fact, without that plan, we wouldn’t have needed the freedom to worship in the first place.
So, no, I’m not comparing our nation’s first president to the Son of God. However, in both scenarios, a group of people needed to be saved and given a freedom they may not have deserved but certainly wanted. Baby Jesus provided this very thing to an entire world that desperately needed saving.
As we gather with family and friends, enjoying delicious meals and perhaps opening a present or two, let’s take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made for us to have these opportunities. We all know that the only gift that truly matters is the one we’ve been given – the gift of eternal life with our Lord and Savior. Merry Christmas to one and all!