Though I spent most of the day lazing about with my new Kindle (which I'm not supposed to open until tomorrow), wrapping gifts, and snowshoeing through 12 inches of fresh snow in Northern Wisconsin, I spent a portion of the afternoon with my Bible - Matthew 1 & 2. Three things strike me afresh as I reflect on the account of Jesus' birth:
1. The (only) four women mentioned in Matthew's geneaology have tarnished reputations. Many of the men are worse. It draws attention to the fact that God Himself did not disdain to draw near to sinful people. It is an amazing display of the divine humility, and it gives me hope that God would associate with a person like me, too.
2. Jesus came to "save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21). No doubt, he came to do many other things, as well. He set an example for us to follow, he rendered justice on the earth, and he did other fine things. But first and foremost, he came to set God's people free from their bondage to sin. That is what Jesus' incarnation is all about.
3. Next to no one knew the Messiah had come into the world for almost two years. When magi arrived from the east, Herod and the religious leaders were caught off-guard by news that a new king had been born. How humble was the coming of our King, humble in every conceivable way.
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." (2Co 8:9)
May the grace of Jesus Christ enrich your celebration of Christmas yet again this year.
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It is always a joy to read your writing. Thank you for these warming thoughts and have a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and congrats on getting a kindle. Tina and I got my sister-in-law a book light for Christmas for her kindle. I'm curious why Drew advised against getting one. I pray that you and your family may have a healthy and joyful Christmas. God Bless
ReplyDeleteThose are moving observations, thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, as per usual. ;) I just reread 1st and 2nd Matthew and 1st and 2nd Luke (okay, reskimmed, really) and I'm wondering what Mary and Joseph were doing if they were still in Bethlehem two years after Jesus' birth? You may or may not have an answer, but the question just occurred to me, and now I'm curious. ;)
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas, merry Christmas! In response to the one tiny point I have an immediate opinion on: Actually, a lot of people did know. The shepherds told everyone they met, Simeon and Anna called out to everyone in the temple, and we don't know how many other people throughout the world had seen the star. (Let alone everyone within a day's journey of Nazareth, who'd doubtlessly heard the rumors! I always assumed that Joseph stayed in Bethlehem to keep Mary away from the gossip.) So, God did announce His Word - just not in an organized way, but by individual ordinary people. Hmm, sounds like the Great Commission...
ReplyDeleteSteve: I should let Drew speak for himself, but since he's not here (yet), I'll represent his thoughts. The Kindle is still an early iteration of what will one day be an amazing piece of technology. Right now, though, it's functionality is pretty limited. (Have you used the basic web browser?!)
ReplyDeleteAriana: I'm not sure anyone knows why Joseph and Mary settled in Bethlehem temporarily, but I think William's suggestion (that Joseph wanted to keep Mary protected from the gossip) is as reasonable as any.
William: Good point about the shepherds and others around Bethlehem being apprised of the Messiah's birth. I am simply struck that the news never made it beyond these quarters. When I say "next to no one knew the Messiah had come into the world", I have in mind the religious and political leadership of Israel, those of great account in the world's eyes.