12/22/2021 MAINTENANCE -- PART I (FOR MEN)
1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, which you have from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify GOD in your body.
[Revised Standard translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The celebration of the birth of JESUS is not a mere birthday celebration. Christmas is not a big birthday “party” where people decorate their homes, exchange gifts, eat at lot of food (especially sweets and deserts), have a good time and then wait twelve months until the next birthday celebration rolls around again. Christmas is not the equivalent of a global birthday bash on a grander scale. That is not the “meaning of Christmas.”
Rather, the birth of JESUS marks an extraordinary event in human history. It is a DIVINE event. It is a time when we marvel that GOD---THE OMNIPOTENT (all powerful), THE OMNISCIENT (all knowing), THE OMNIPRESENT (everywhere at the same time), THE OMNIBENEVOLENT (all loving and all good), became flesh and blood, in the form of a child, JESUS CHRIST. GOD lived and dwelled among us, sinful humanity, so that GOD could show us “WHO GOD IS.” GOD became flesh in the natural world and became “LIVING WORD.” GOD came to save us, to pay a horrible price for our sinful deeds, by dying on a cross. GOD came and epitomized “LOVE,” “SACRIFICE,” “TRUTH” “TRUE FRIEND” and “RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.”
Another extraordinary event in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Each of us is a temple. These “temples” are of extraordinary value to GOD because JESUS paid a price, sacrificing HIMSELF, so that we might have life----a more abundant life, here on earth, and everlasting spiritual life hereafter. But like any physical temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is necessary!