CHRISTMAS = It is not death to die!
God acts differently.
Christians for 2000 years have known that preparation for Jesus begins in the heart. But, that first Christmas was different. A harbinger would 'announce' Jesus, yet this herald remained silent for a generation.
God's first visible preparation for that first Christmas was Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist. Yet, it took three decades before he spoke up.
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel. (Luke 1:80)
It is not too surprising 'John' means 'the Lord is gracious'. Grace is an outworking of His righteousness. Thus Christmas is fundamental evidence of God's direction and intent for mankind.
The call of Christmas continues as it was with John the Baptist - not only is Jesus to be celebrated but He is to be prepared for, He comes again.
As it would be with John the Baptist and his cousin Jesus three years later - it is not death to die.
The Last Word:
John pointed to the Jesus that you can't ignore, but can adore.