December 23, 2017
What kind of God would send Himself into the world as a baby? So fragile, so in danger, so completely dependent, born to a willing teen age girl who knew she would face rejection from a shame-based culture. A short blog could not fully answer the question, but it is worth pondering and discussion.
God could have chose to send a full-grown, muscle laden warrior into the world to overthrow the dark realm and take His own to Himself….He’s God, He can do anything! But a baby? Why? God, had so much trust and peace to place himself in the womb of a human, don’t you think?
The Bible says that Jesus was “tempted in every way as man.” Jesus, grew up from a baby to a boy, from a boy to a man and experienced every thing we do. Frustrations, anger, lust (and joy)….but He never committed sin in any of it. God put Himself in the place of vulnerability and learning like a person, just like we have to do so He could relate to us and so that we could come to Him boldly, knowing He understands.
He came to a woman, one of the lowest of the lows in that culture. Revealing Himself in the most intimate of ways to her. Showing His tenderness and vindication, championing women over and over raising them up in a culture that devalued their existence.!
Revealing Himself to Kings! Why would rich, notable kings travel such long distances to pay homage and give gifts to a baby born to a poor couple in Bethlehem? Think about it, what if that happened today?
Revealing Himself to the Shepherds! Again, another sect of society that was thought of as dishonest, foul-smelling, no bodies. Yet, He filled the sky with angels in their presence to herald the coming king, lying in feeding trough under a star!
His closest friends were ordinary people, not the elite. He reached out to the prostitutes, those with health issues that no one else would touch, and those with embarrassing, non-desirous jobs.
We often think God will be the first one to throw stones at us or “have the ceiling fall in if we darken the entrance of a church”, but that is a lie that has been perpetuated. He is our number one advocate when all turn against us. He is the one that makes all others throw down their stones while saying to us, “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” He is the one waiting at the end of the drive, with His arms open wide, while the house is stirring, creating a delicious feast for a returning child who has wandered far away from His goodness and blessing.
So, this Christmas, while these “festivities” are swirling on around us that have little to do with the reason for this season, take some time to stop and pause and consider why God would send His only son in this manner. I pray that He will reveal Himself to you in personal ways, as is His custom. He is the true gift, an eternal treasure, and wise (wo) men still seek Him! Have a very Blessed Christmas<3