Our Savior's entrance into this world took place in a stable, not a palace. This was the King whose majesty would never be recognized by his wardrobe or influential friends. Instead, this King would be loved one moment and mocked the next. This King's home was not of this earth, yet he loved the people of this earth.
This King desired that all would learn of him and be saved from their sins through faith in him.
This King had many attributes that drew multitudes of people to him.
This King was the King of compassion, and all who crossed his path experienced this abundant compassion firsthand.
This King announced that his kingdom was not of this world when men approached him to make him a King.
This King knew what his mission was for his time here on earth and with his face and spirit set like flint, he set out and accomplished that mission.
This King's mission was to save all that were lost. To bind up the brokenhearted, to heal those who were sick and hurting, and to release the prisoners born into this world out of the shackles of sin, death, hell and the grave.
This King's life brought honor and glory God.
During this King's time on earth, there were vast numbers of Religious leaders. All of these religious leaders had one thing in common. They loved to rule the people, the common man. They wanted to be held in admiration by the influential as well as the common man. They also loved the most important seats in the temple and to be called "Master" by those who listened to them.
But for all of their rules and regulations, they couldn't keep the law and couldn't do what they were instructing others to do.
But these religious leaders would not admit to this King that they were unable to keep the law. They felt that keeping up the appearance of doing right and being righteous by their own power was good enough, though they would never admit that.
This King gave up all of the splendor of Heaven to walk the roads of Jerusalem, teaching all men about the Love of his Father.
This is the King who said "You without sin, cast the first stone" to those who were ready to kill the adulterous woman.
This King healed the deaf and gave sight to those who could not see.
This King endured being mocked, beaten and crucified just so that you and I would be free.
This King did not fear those who would have him crucified and end his life on this earth.
This King endured the cross and arose on the third day from his earthly death, triumphant!
All of this was the enormous price he was willing to pay.
You might ask why would this King pay such a price? What would move this King to give his very life? Friend, there would be only one reason for him to do these things for you and me. It was because of the great love he had for humanity.
And even after all of these things were done for you and I by this King, he would not allow us to be without help in this world. He even sent us his Holy Spirit after he ascended into heaven.
Without gifts, and absent of decorated trees, would you still have much to celebrate on Christmas Eve?
You would if you knew in your heart what the meaning of Christmas truly is.
Christmas is not about sales reports that department stores generate.
Christmas is not about bright lights and tree ornaments nor brightly decorated packages to open on Christmas day.
It is not even about that traditional family Christmas feast. All of these are the traditions of men.
The only way to know what it is all about is to hear the story of that first Christmas so long ago, documented in the Bible.
Luke 1: 31-33
The Angel speaks to the Virgin Mary:
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Joseph and Mary
Joseph and Mary would find no vacant room for them in the inn.
They instead stayed in a stable.
Shepherds nearby were watching over their flock when an angel appeared unto them.
They were told by an angel of the Messiah's soon arrival into this world.
Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 1
4 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2: 41-52 Jesus, the Boy
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
May you reflect on the giver of all gifts this Christmas.
Jesus Christ
He loves you more than you could imagine. There is no way to express in words how large his love is for you.
He even came into this weary world in order that every man and woman would know the way to eternal life.
He was crucified for our sins and the chastisement of our peace was upon him.
God the Father allowed all of this because of the great love he had for you and I.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
1 comment:
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