The oh so familiar Christmas story... like a nativity, a pageant, a carol.
So much more than just a story... a scene... a child's program.
The insights I have gleaned this Christmas celebration have altered me.
Granted me new perspective. Looking forward, looking back.
"Fragile finger sent to heal us. Tender brow prepared for thorns. Tiny heart whose blood will save us...
Unto us is born... ...
Wrap our injured flesh around you. Breathe our air and walk our sod. Rob our sin and make us holy.
Perfect Son of God."(Welcome to Our World~ Chris Rice)
The beginning of the Easter story... Christmas is about more than a gift.
It's is about blood, sacrifice, faith, favor, humility, grace, mercy... and trust.
I have issues... trusting... believing... accepting.
Rather, analyzing... processing information... comparing.
"You can ask God questions, but you should never question God." (Unknown)
I am three years old... Why? I don't understand. Why? Why? Why?
These are thrown towards heaven... tears streaming... yearning for answers.
Mary didn't question... "Be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)
Trust... Faith... Belief.
Imagine an angel showing up and saying "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women... Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 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: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God... For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:28-37)
And your reply is "Be it unto me according to thy word."
A virgin bearing a child. Who is going to believe that?
Imagine, being promised to a man... an arranged marriage, most likely... Espoused...
How do you suddenly turn up "with child" claiming you have been overshadowed...
Expecting everyone... anyone... to believe you.
Especially this just man... who holds the power of your life in his belief... reaction... or betrayal.
This is favor? Imagine; the whispers... pointed fingers... judgements...
To flesh, societal expectations can reign... masking the more important things.
This is favor: Giving birth to a son... the Messiah... the lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
God robed in flesh... walking with him daily... playing a vital role in God's salvation plan for mankind.
Imagine God, the creator of the universe, coming to earth.
Humbling himself to become the required sacrifice for our sins.
"For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins." (Hebrews 10:4)
Never sinning, but carrying the weight of the sins of all time, both future and past...
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5:21)
Bridging the chasm... granting access... presenting eternity.
Lately, life is overwhelming... confusing...
Grasping... clutching... closing my hands around... something, anything.
A still small voice tells me to open my hands... let go... trust.
I am still trying, although...
My life feels shaken... turned upside down... emptied...
Perhaps I'm just gaining a new perspective.
*This Christmas we got to spend with my sister's family and her in-laws. We watched these films... which I recommend... Even if you don't watch things produced by hollywood. They are very insightful and well done. I hope you will watch them and glean new understanding.
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