In this season of giving, sharing & caring it’s easy to see how one could celebrate this time of year with God’s gift to the world (Jesus Christ). If, on the other hand, we allow ourselves to become too theologically correct in working to determine when Jesus came, we can miss the simplistic joy of knowing that God brought Jesus into the world as a baby. But, why a baby? I don’t know of too many folks who’ve never seen a baby. Most people like them. Little, dependent and at times loud, most people like babies until they require maintenance such as diaper changes, feeding, washing and the like. The question remains: Why did God choose for Christ to come to us as a baby? He did it because not only does God desire we love Him but that we fear Him as well. Not only did He long to rule over his people, but to know them as well. There’s one thing a baby does well…they observe; they pay attention. They watch human behavior and at times liken themselves to that behavior. Childhood, adolescence, and teen-age years are all a part of growing up. God knew that childhood and familial surroundings are timeless teaching grounds for young people to learn more about human nature than attending even the greatest of institutions. Christ Jesus entered this world through the lowliest state possible. He humbled himself and became obedient to the will of His Father by coming to us in our very own likeness so we would have the opportunity to return the favor someday. He longs for us to be conformed to HIS image as opposed to our own. This time of year isn’t about opening presents. It’s about being present for his presence to radiate through us for all the world to see.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin |
Kevin's KolumnKevin Lough is the minister at the Whitehall Church of Christ in Fairmont WV. Archives
September 2019
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