Every year, I write a Christmas message based on a movie or story (like a parable) to send to friends and relatives instead of Christmas cards which are usually not given a second thought. It is always somewhat unconventional as I want people to see the real Jesus, what He has done for us, and what is promised for the future. This year, I wanted to share it with the Doves:

 

My Christmas Message for 2018:

 

      Our story is from the movie Gladiator and takes place during the reign of the Roman Emperor Commodus. In a costly battle, General Maximus has just defeated the Germanic tribes. The aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius, summons Maximus to his tent and asks him to become protector of Rome after he  dies. He tells Maximus, “I will empower you to one end alone-to give power back to the people of Rome and end the corruption that has crippled it. Will you accept the great honor I have offered ?” “With all my heart”, says Maximus. But before anything can be finalized, the emperor’s evil son Commodus arrives and murders Marcus Aurelius. Commodus then asks for Maximus’ loyalty. But  Maximus’ loyalty is to Marcus Aurelius and his dream of restoring Rome. And when Maximus refuses, Commodus orders his execution and the murder of his wife and child. Maximus escapes, but is captured by slave traders and sold to a gladiator trainer named Proximo, who eventually brings Maximus to fight at the Colosseum in Rome.

 

          Lesser men would have despaired of all hope. But Maximus is convinced that he will see his wife and child in the afterlife. He never doubts his destiny nor his true identity, which remains a mystery to all but his fellow gladiators. He racks up one victory after another in the Roman Colosseum. When Maximus defeats the previous champion, the Emperor Commodus, being curious as to the identity of this masked gladiator, goes out to meet him. He commands Maximus to remove his helmet and reveal his name. Surrounded by the imperial guard and in the presence of thousands of blood-thirsty spectators, he removes his helmet and turns toward the Emperor: “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridus, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, Loyal Servant of the True Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Father to a murdered son, Husband to a murdered wife.” The stunned Commodus realizes that he must find a way kill Maximus without losing face. In the final scene, Commodus fights Maximus in the Colosseum after stabbing him in the back to ensure the outcome of the fight in his favor. Despite his  fatal wound, Maximus kills Commodus before he himself collapses and dies. As Commodus lies unlamented in the dust, we see Maximus walking amidst fields of grain towards his wife and son as his body is borne away by his fellow gladiators.   

 

           The evil Commodus was a real historical figure. Maximus, although fictional, is a type of Christ. Jesus was empowered by His Father to put an end to corruption and rescue humanity from the evil ruler of this world, who offered Jesus all his worldly kingdoms, if He would bow down and worship him. But Jesus, remaining faithful to Father God, refused. And from that time on, the Dark Prince sought to kill Him. But time after time, Jesus confounds his enemies. The full extent of His divine identity is known only by his closest disciples. When Jesus is arrested and brought to trial, the high priest asks Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus, standing before all His enemies, knowing that His answer will condemn Him to a brutal death, openly declares His identity: “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  And so, in the final book of the Bible, we see the victorious glorified Jesus, Commander of the Armies of Heaven, coming to reclaim the kingdom from the enemy. And on His robe is written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”              

 

           Christmas, that is the incarnation, is the defining event in human history. The “powers that be” tell us that we are merely an accident of nature, and there is nothing beyond this sorry life. David, the warrior King, sets the record straight: “Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.” -Psalm 139:16.  Jesus assures us that the very hairs on our head are numbered. He is preparing a place, for us who believe, in His Father’s kingdom. The hour is late; this is not the time for cowardice or indecision. Each of us must declare our loyalty, either to the Dark Prince of this world or to the Heavenly Prince of Peace. Jesus came 2000 years ago in peace, bringing the Father’s goodwill to all men. Soon, He will return to destroy His enemies and rule the nations. Only then will the last portion of Isaiah’s prophecy be fulfilled: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” -Isaiah 9:6,7             

 

Merry Christmas,

Kevin John