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This is a weary world. 2020 has become a year that many are thankful just to get through. But God has sustained and is walking with us through it. It’s been a hard year, the Covid-19 pandemic with its quarantines and lockdowns have left many people weary and tired. But then fires blanketed the entire West Coast in smoke, there was civil unrest that’s left the city of Portland in ruins, and on and on.

The world was also weary, however, when God sent His Son into the world. In a dry and weary land where there is no water, your help comes from God.

That is why the theme of Christmas is rejoicing. Because light has come in the darkness, because the hopeless have found hope, because the weary are strengthened, it’s time for rejoicing.

If you think about it, all the traditions of Christmas have something to do with rejoicing. Lights and candles, beautifully wrapped gifts, songs of celebration, bells on bobtails that ring, making spirits bright, eggnog, hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas carols. They’re all traditions of Christmas that bring joy in the darkest part of the year.

Cultures around the world have Christmas traditions that speak of rejoicing. Some are rather interesting.

In Japan, the traditional Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken. That would make anyone rejoice! This is so popular that families must make reservations early to be certain to get their KFC on Christmas Day.

In Finland, it’s tradition to visit a cemetery over Christmas. Graveside candles are lit; entire cemeteries are lighted. Three-fourths of all Finnish families visit a cemetery at Christmas, mostly on Christmas Eve. Special traffic arrangements are needed to handle the crowds.

If you think about it, there’s a beautiful message behind that tradition in Finland. God sent His Son to conquer death and give eternal life to all who trust in Him. So, yes, put lights in cemeteries!

In Hawaii, the tradition is to eat Spam on Christmas. Which, I’m sure brings joy to them, but I have a spam filter, so, no Spam for me.

In Venezuela, people go to Christmas Eve service on roller skates. So many people skate to church on Christmas Eve they close the streets. Which gives new meaning to the expression ‘holy rollers.’

And of course, who could forget our own American tradition of Christmas fruitcake? It’s kind of an ironic to call it fruitcake, however, because it is neither fruity nor cakey. I’m convinced the whole regifting thing originated with fruitcake.

We must be very careful, however, that traditions don’t replace the meaning and message of why God sent His Son. The world is weary and needs hope. The world is becoming more dangerous. Many with spiritual discernment have sensed the storm clouds on the horizon; there is a deep evil that is rising.

This is a broken, evil world and while there is greater darkness, it will also be a time of revival. Darkness will get darker, but a light will also dawn.

When Isaiah wrote the prophecy of Isaiah 9 it was a dark time for the nation of Israel. A terrible, wicked king ruled in Judah who turned Israel away from God to go after the gods of the world, gods of worldliness and licentiousness. The result was predictable; they became weaker as a nation as darkness and turmoil came over them.

At the darkest hour, God gave the greatest promise. There is no question that these verses give us the greatest promise known to man; that God would send an answer to darkness.

God’s answer is His Son. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” And the promises, hope, and help are given to us in the name spoken of in this prophecy.

God doesn’t stand by idly and watch as people destroy their lives, He does something about it; God is on the move, He is pursuing relationship. God sent His Son, He is knocking on the door of hearts, He wants people to have life.

Isaiah speaks of the name that is given for the One who is coming as the hope of the world. You gain great insight in the purpose and meaning of Christmas when you understand the significance of His name.


Pastor Rich Jones
Pastor Matthew Dodd
Rich Jones Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
Calvary Chapel Hillsboro
Calvary Chapel Oregon
Calvary Chapel Beaverton
Calvary Chapel Portland

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