One church announced that all members should come with Denim Wears for a special Sunday. Some people wondered if there were Denim sarees, Denim Dhotis, and Denim salwar. The richer upper classes in India mostly wear denim. In the past, some churches urged their members to wear only white apparel. The Son of God made Himself poor to redeem humanity.
Church: The Church is a place where all come both poor and rich. “Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor.” (James 2:2-3) If a church invites only people with Denim clothes, it discriminates against the poor and discourages them from attending the services.
Cradle: The Lord Jesus Christ was born poor, rejected in his hometown by relatives, and was born in a cowshed, bundled in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:7) Some translations mention that as clothing stripes or even rough cloth. Perhaps, the innkeeper did not see Joseph and Mary in Denim clothes.
Cross: The Lord Jesus Christ was stripped of his clothes and was crucified naked. (John 19:23-24) Sadly, those who worship the Lord who was humble, simple, and worked hard as a carpenter for at least eighteen years, believe in luxurious life and prosperity. Cross, especially taking up the cross to follow the master, is not in their purview and understanding.
Crisis: The Rich Young man had great accomplishments to his credit, inheritance, influence, and possessions. Yet, he sought after Eternal Life and came to the Lord of Life with the right question. The Lord understood chaos in his mind and crisis in his life, the love for riches, luxury, and prosperity. He left sad as he could not disown possession and take possession of the call to take up the cross.
Will I choose simplicity and cross this Christmas?