God had smuggled Himself into our world as a baby in the most humblest way. Born in a smelly stable with a bunch of animals, perhaps and most likely, on a bed of hay and dirt. Yet, we should be awe struck at the events that took place there, as well before hand and even in the events that would follow. It was a miraculous event! Here are some of the highlights: An announcement from an angel who told the virgin pledged to married that she would be with child, and that He would be called the Son of God, a dream for her husband to be not to divorce her because she was pregnant, this young man who would raise Jesus like a son, letting him know that this was indeed God doing. Imagine a heavenly host appearing to a bunch of lowly shepherds on a hillside proclaiming the birth of the King of Heaven. Visitors from the east, who had followed a bright and glorious light, are able to find the new born King, and worship him. They present the child with gifts of gold (a symbol of royalty) for the King of Kings, frankincense (symbolic of a priest) for the Great High Priest, and myrrh (a symbol of sacrifice) for the one who would give his life as a sacrifice for all. Then, another dream, but this time as a warning. God tells Joseph to lead this little family to Egypt to escape the mad power play of an illegitimate king. What an amazing Story!
So what does this have to do with love? Everything! First, we begin understand that God’s ways are not our own. The way He orchestrated this event was so timely and detailed, only God Himself could pull it off. It was unlike any of the ways we might think of doing it. What many of God’s people (Israel) didn’t realize was that God’s arrival was for something much bigger and greater than just to save a nation, He was coming to redeem all of His creation! Why? Because at the fall of man, God’s design and even desire for what He had made and loved had become corrupt and broken. But even when the Fall took place, God declared His promise of redemption (Genesis 3). This story is the fulfillment of that promise. The reason: His Love!
God’s love is written all over this story! This event took place for the benefit of ALL people for all time. He didn’t send the heavenly hosts to the temple where the supposedly “religious” people were. He didn’t send them to proclaim it to Joseph & Mary’s relatives and close friends. He didn’t even send the angels to the town in which Mary and Joseph came from. He sent the heavenly host to a bunch of shepherds on a hillside far from home. Why? Because God love and salvation to all is for everyone, no matter who you are, what you do or where you’ve been.
Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Then, we have the Magi (also known as the Wise men), you know, the ones who presented the gifts to Jesus. How did they know this event would take place other than God had been speaking to them? He led them from a very far place by a great light, to the one who is Light himself. Why would God choose them? God didn’t just love the people of Israel, but ALL people, from every tribe and nation.
Finally, we see God telling Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because Herod ordered all the baby boys of Bethlehem to be put to death. God’s salvation was for the entire world, and he would not allow for His plan of salvation to falter. Herod had selfish things in mind. What God had (and still has) in mind is for the benefit of all of creation. Even in the midst of evil, God’s love prevails.
I pray that as we celebrate this season, God’s love is loud and clear. If you are in a place where you are hurting, lonely, hopeless and overwhelmed, I pray that you would especially know that God’s perfect love is for you! God is love. An important reminder for all of us to remember during this Advent season, especially when all of our attention can turn towards other, less important things.
0 comments:
Post a Comment