LIFE AFTER DEATH INFLUENCING LIFE BEFORE DEATH

What happens to us when we die? The answer to this question goes right to the heart of our worldview, and therefore determines the way we live.

The concept of reincarnation, as taught in Hinduism and Buddhism, is much more complex than most people realize.  But whether the aim is nirvana or just a higher status in the next life, the idea informs and motivates a system of morality that influences whole societies.

The Christian teaching about Heaven and Hell, while subject at times to gross misrepresentation, has likewise informed and motivated a moral basis for living. Evangelical Christians understand that Heaven is not attained by good works but by faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour. Nevertheless, because the same Bible that teaches the reality of Heaven and Hell also teaches a standard of morality, the two will always be linked.

Previous generations in Australia (and other Western nations) broadly accepted the Heaven or Hell scenario for life after death so that, even if it came down to a “hope-I-make-it” attitude, people tried to live by moral standards such as honesty, faithfulness in marriage and respect for the property of others, things covered in the Ten Commandments.

On the other hand, when people believe that there is nothing on the other side of death, there can be no firm basis for a system of morality. If there is no reward after death for a moral life, and no retribution for an im-moral one, individuals are left to choose for themselves what they feel will most benefit them in this present life. This may include elements that turn out well for society but the opposite is at least equally likely.

If belief in the reality of both Heaven and Hell leads people to a moral life based on Christian principles, it must surely benefit society at large. If it leads people to explore the claims of Christ, resulting in personal salvation through faith in Him, the benefits for those people will be eternal and, to the extent that they are sincere in their Christian faith, it will also benefit all who come into contact with them.

THE CULTURE OF GIFT-GIVING

Throughout history, people have given other people gifts for all sorts of reasons. We usually refer to such gifts as presents because we present them to the receiver.

Jacob gave a present to his brother Esau, hoping that it would appease his very justifiable anger and pave the way for a reconciliation.

The present was 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys (Genesis 32:13-15).

A little bit too much to fit under a Christmas tree, don’t you think?

Abigail brought a present to David and his men when she realised that her husband had offended them. Her gift was 200 loaves of bread, two wineskins full of wine, five sheep that had been slaughtered, a bushel of roasted grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 fig cakes (1 Samuel 25:18).

On other occasions, people brought gifts to honour a king. This was the intention of the Magi who came to see the baby Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11).

In many cultures around the world today, gift giving is linked to special annual festivals and celebrations. Each culture mandates the sort of gift that is appropriate for each specific occasion. For instance, I’ve read that clocks, handkerchiefs and flowers are inappropriate gifts in China because they are all associated with death and funerals. Anyone planning a trip to Japan will be wise to study up on that country’s elaborately significant gift-giving rituals.

These days there are whole websites dedicated to the culture of gift-giving, what to do and what NOT to do. But the thing that is most important, ultimately, is not the gift but the attitude in which it is given. The key words here are respect and appreciation.

If there is such a thing as a Christian culture of gift-giving, may I suggest that it will go beyond just giving what is expected, giving because you have to. It will not be about impressing the other person or showing off. Rather, it will be prayerful, thoughtful and gracious, motivated and wrapped in the pure love of God.

ADDING RICHNESS TO CHRISTMAS CULTURE

The weeks leading up to December 25th, here in Australia at least, are filled with hype and expectation. Everything points to that one day. Christmas is coming! Santa is coming! Favourite relatives are coming! By the time Christmas Day actually does come, little children are practically bursting with excitement but their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles are jaded, exhausted and broke.

And then… suddenly… it’s all over.

What was all the fuss about? Some nice new age-appropriate toys to play with (even if you’re in your forties, fifties or older!) A bigger than usual meal with the usual crowd and all the cleaning up afterwards. Leftover turkey and ham on sandwiches on Boxing Day while you watch the cricket on TV.

Aussie culture makes a big deal out of Christmas but some sense of anti-climax is inevitable because the culture is shallow. Festive food, family and friends are all good and important but a culture that disparages the undergirding meaning of Christmas, namely the coming of a Saviour into our world, will always be tempted to ask: “Why do we bother?”

“It’s just something we do,” you might answer. “It can be a lot of fun if we get everything right, and if no-one spits the proverbial dummy about something that was said – or something that wasn’t said but should have been!”

Christian culture is an opportunity to inject richness and meaning into fun little traditions that fill not only Christmas Day but the whole lead-in period as well. If Christmas Day is the destination, shouldn’t we also enjoy the journey getting there? The tree, the decorations, the cards, the carols, the different way we relate to people we meet on the streets and in the shops. These are all clues about how we can enjoy the season, not just the day.

If it’s all about Santa, it will all come down to a few minutes unwrapping presents on a single day. If it’s all about the meal, it will come down to an hour or so around the table. But if it’s about Jesus, it can be a whole season of witness. Multiple acts of preparation that are meaningful in and of themselves. Celebrations that are more than just a drudgery because they honestly and authentically share something of the love of God.
 

I could wish you a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays if that’s what you prefer, but this Christmas I would like to wish you richness of meaning throughout the whole season. A Christmas season that is busy but not frantic, connected but not painful, joyful but not superficial. In other words, Christmas celebrations that are rich and deep.

And, for me, that means a Christmas season where Jesus is honoured and celebrated.