Christmas Solidarity
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a story from my friend John Piper.
I always love reading sermons or essays that share an unusual perspective on the Christmas story, and this one by Dr. John Piper is a favorite. Listen to the way he describes the Good News of Christmas. He starts by saying:
“The assembly line of Satan turns out millions of sins every day. He packs them into a huge cargo plane and flies them to heaven and spreads them out before God and laughs and laughs and laughs. Some people work full-time on the assembly line. Others have quit their jobs there and only now and then return. Every minute of work on the assembly line makes God the laughing stock of Satan. Sin is his business because he hates the light and the beauty and the purity and the glory of God. Nothing pleases him more than when creatures distrust and disobey their Maker. Therefore, Christmas is good news for man and good news for God. First Timothy Chapter 1, verse 15 says, ‘The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ That’s good news for us. But it’s also good news for God because I John Chapter 3, verse 8 says, ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.’
“Now, Christmas is good news for God because Jesus has come to lead a strike at Satan’s assembly plant. He has walked right into the plant, called for the Solidarity of the faithful, and begun a massive walk-out. Christmas is a call to go on strike at the assembly plant of sin. No negotiations with the management. No bargaining; just single-minded, unswerving opposition to the product. That is, to destroy the works of the devil. Christmas Solidarity aims to ground the cargo planes. It will not use force or violence, but with relentless devotion to Truth it will expose the life-destroying conditions of the devil’s industry. Christmas Solidarity will not give up until a complete shutdown has been achieved. When will that shut down happen? When the works of the devil are finally destroyed.”
Thank you, Dr. John Piper, for giving us a fresh look at why Jesus, the Son of God came. Yes, of course, it’s Good News for us; but it’s also Good News for God the Father. For when sin has been destroyed, God’s name will be wholly exonerated. No one will be laughing at Him anymore. No one’s life will be used as ammunition for the devil. Satan will no longer be able to mock God, taunt Him, or try to smear His good name or reputation. So, friend, if you want to give a wonderful gift to God this Christmas, walk off the assembly line of sin and never go back. Take up your place in the picket line of love. Join Christmas Solidarity until the majestic name of God is cleared and He stands glorious amid the accolades of the righteous. And keep at it until all the works of the devil are destroyed. “For the Son of God appeared at Christmas to destroy the works of the enemy.”
Hey, if you’d like to share these words on Christmas Solidarity, just go to my radio page today at joniandfriends.org, or share it from my Facebook page. And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask for your free gift, a beautifully illustrated booklet called The Christmas Story. It is a lovely gift to tuck into a Christmas present, or in a stocking, or in a neighbor’s mailbox. It’s an elegant retelling of the Christmas story that shares how the Son of God came at Christmas to destroy the works of the devil. Wow! Friend, join Christmas solidarity. Go on-line today at joniandfriends.org/radio. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
