"Mistletoe Magic"

Yesterday I broached the subject of Christmas traditions. Have you ever wondered where some of our Christmas traditions originated? For example, where did kissing under the mistletoe originate? The first mention of mistletoe comes out of the ancient practice of the Druids. They considered the mistletoe to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous properties, which could cure illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft. Later in history we see another tradition emerging. Whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. It is from this tradition that we arrived at the practice of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill. There is a great truth to be learned from this Christmas tradition.

Jesus said, "You have heard that the Law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NLV).

Forgiveness is an essential part of the Christian’s life. The forgiveness we have received from God in Christ ought to motivate us to extend the same to others. Tragically, we are often very slow in forgiving others. If you live in a large city you know the frustration of dodging non-yielding motorists while trying to exit from the freeway. On the frontage road there are two yield signs to remind drivers that the exiting freeway traffic has the right of way to any lane on the frontage road. Technically you can exit from the freeway and take out any car that fails to yield. Unfortunately, though, such vindication brings damage to your car too. That's the way forgiveness works. When someone fails to observe our rights we are tempted to inflict "justifiable" pain. Yet, like the freeway, such action brings personal loss as well. Forgiveness is a much better option!

Even when we are “justified” in our feelings, it is always better to forgive. Imagine yourself under the mistletoe with those people who have hurt you. Can you bring yourself to forgive them? Perhaps the following prayer ought to be yours today:

Father, there are those who have hurt me deeply. I know you love me. And, I know you love them. You sent your Son, Jesus, for all of us. Through His work on the cross you have provided all that is necessary to be forgiven. So now, I, too, forgive those who have hurt me. I release them from all debt.

Real freedom comes from real forgiveness. Is it time for a little “mistletoe magic” in your relationships with others?