The Christmas “Wow” Factor!
- theswordofthelord
- Dec 1, 2023
- 2 min read
One of Dr. John Rice’s classic publications is a book entitled, “I Love Christmas” (available from the Sword of the Lord, 150 pages, only $5.00). He expressed in that three-word statement the sentiment of my heart, and I hope it is yours as well.
I know there are people who hate Christmas because they hate the Lord.
I know there are cults who say it is wrong to celebrate Christmas.
I know there are some sincere Christians who have a negative spirit about it.
I understand all of that, but Christmas has a great meaning to me. As I give consideration to it, the matters that flood my mind are what I call the Christmas “Wow” Factor. I think we all understand that little word, “wow,” and we all use it. So how about we apply it to Christmas?
1. Prophecy! Wow!
The Old Testament prophets, starting in Genesis, predicted the coming of a Messiah. The details are all there in prophecy, including His virgin birth (Isa. 7:14) and the place of His birth (Mic. 5:2). Wow!
2. Virgin Birth! Wow!
When Mary asked, “How shall this be?” (Luke 1:34), She raised a question that only God could answer. He planned the birth of Christ in a way that would be so unmistakable that His fingerprints would be obvious. Wow!
3. His Own Son! Wow!
“…he gave his only begotten Son….”—John 3:16.
“…God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…To redeem them….”—Gal. 4:4, 5.
It is mind-boggling-incredible that the Lord sent His Son. Neither a Moses nor an Abraham, nor an Elijah, nor a King Daniel was chosen for this assignment, but His Son. That is love beyond comprehension. Wow!
4. The Plan of Salvation! Wow!
Take a close look at John 3, Romans 10 and Ephesians 2. The great God of Heaven made a full provision for all of us. He bought for us what we could never afford for ourselves. He gives us what we need when we exercise our faith and place our trust in Him. Wow!
5. Hell Out, Heaven In! Wow!
When Hell-bound sinners come to Christ, the door to Hell is slammed shut, and the door to Heaven is opened wide to them. Wow!
6. The Difference It Makes! Wow!
When suddenly drunkards turn sober, thieves become honest, and moral lepers come clean, you can see the difference. Just like the maniac of Gadara who, upon coming to Christ, was now “clothed, and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15), the difference is huge. Wow!
7. Our Blessed Assignment! Wow!
Jesus said, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). Christmas affords us great opportunities to tell others about Him. When I remember that I get to be His ambassador (II Cor. 5:20), I am thrilled. Wow!
So, yes, I want this December to be a full and worthy demonstration of the various “Wow” factors the Lord has given us through the Lord Jesus.
As I consider the great truths that underlie this Christmas celebration, I’m not looking to the North Pole. I’m not substituting Santa for the Saviour. I’m telling the real story of Christmas. It is in the Bible, and I’m sticking with it. Amen!
Yes, I’m celebrating the Christmas “Wow” Factor.
I read your post about the treatment of hyperhidrosis and it helped explain why some people sweat more than usual and how it can affect daily life in simple terms. Last semester when I was almost done with a big law essay I felt overwhelmed and had to late at night because IBJJF Approved Gi I needed fresh eyes on my formatting and grammar. It made me realize asking for help can really lift a weight off your shoulders.
Reading The Christmas 'Wow' Factor!” reminded me how moments of clarity, whether spiritual or academic, can reshape our perspective in an instant. As a current PhD student working part-time at Academic Editors and assisting students with Scientific manuscript proofreading, I often see how a single well-polished idea can light up a researcher’s entire project, creating its own quiet “wow” moment. Maybe it’s because I struggled so much during my own college years, juggling studies and endless academic hurdles, that I’ve become so conscious of helping others navigate the same path. Your reflections on the wonder of Christ’s birth felt deeply familiar: that sense of something finally making sense, bringing hope, order, and renewed purpose very much like the feeling students get…
Very informative blog, highly recommended
The Gas strain
Great interview, but if I'm being honest felt more like 'why I'm still a Calvinist' than 'Christian'. I respect that Kristen's faith tradition is important to her, and she can obviously share to the level she feels comfortable with and no more, but this was a very intellectual conversation. I'd have appreciated hearing more about Kristen's personal faith in Jesus Himself and why that is not shaken despite the attacks she's endured. Cascos de Moto Integrales
Thank you for providing such valuable information. Keep going!
Wedding Cake strain