It seems that every other year, another Star Wars movie comes out, claiming to be the last one. Of course this is one of those classics that will probably will go on to infinity and beyond.  The latest, “The Last Jedi,” was recently released.  I’m not a real Star Wars fan, and truthfully only saw the first one.  I enjoyed the amusing characters and the action packed space antics, but it’s never been on my best ever movie picks.

I love fantasy.  I think God has given us the ability to use our imaginations to follow our dreams, to be creative, to enjoy the unknown, to invent and explore things that need exploration.  I wonder though, when we turn our thoughts totally to those things, how we are dishonoring the Creator who made all things.

The focus for Christians at this time of year, is a tiny child, born in poverty, living in a stable,  Son of God yet Son of man.  This baby had submitted Himself to the trauma of childbirth.  He went through the entire nine month process of developing within the womb of Mary. He gave up His throne in heaven and came to live among us.  He felt all the same emotions, pain, joys and anxious moments that we’ve experienced, yet He never fell into sin.  He was the final sacrifice – the lamb without blemish – the One who came to take on our sin and die for us.  He then conquered death and Satan so that we could enjoy the blessings of heaven.  Sounds like a FORCE greater than any I’ve ever heard of before.

The Star Wars movies have great appeal for those looking for an escape from the perils of every day living.  We grow tired of politics, sexual harassment and abuse, terrorism, violence.  Instead of searching for the true FORCE, we turn to a fantastical galaxy, where light sabers abound.

It’s apparent that the world is hungry for answers.  They’re tired of  politics, race discrimination, political correctness, terrorism, crime, sex and violence.  However, church attendance is declining and more and more unstable behavior grows.

When things spin out of control, Americans are turning further away from the truth – looking for happiness and freedom in a place very much like the world we live in today.  There’s a war waging on the screen, between the dark side and all its evil and those who do the right things.  We tend to lean towards worldly things, rather than relying on the truth of God’s Word.  God is the only One who holds the force within His fingertips.  He can make mountains collapse, valleys rise up, waters recede and flow.  Yet many find that notion ridiculous and opt for something else to save them.

The appeal of “Star Wars” is kind of an escape from reality, but for those who really want answers for the ugliness of sin, the true Savior of the world is waiting in a humble stable – in a bed of straw – surrounded by the lowliest members of the work force of the day – being cuddled by His mother as cows and sheep sing Him to sleep. This Savior has no dark side.   Because of Him, our salvation is guaranteed.

Maybe it’s time to start searching Him out again.  May the FORCE be with you.