Jesus made his royal entrance into this world in a dirty, smelly, animal stall. His first crib was a manger and that sweet baby, who was born to be King of kings, lay his head in an old, rugged feeding trough.
But even in all the noise of that chaotic time, God revealed His plan for us.
A dark world was sent the Light of Life.
A Savior who would bring sight to blinded eyes. Strength to crippled legs. Sound to deaf ears.
A Redeemer who would renew the hearts of those who would seek Him.
A Restorer who would turn rejection into acceptance and despair into sweet hope.
He would open prison doors and free the captives. He would wipe away the tears of the lonely and hurting.
When our hearts ache, He came that He might bring comfort to our souls.
When our spirits get heavy and burdened, He came to relieve us of our cares and give us rest.
When we wander aimlessly and without direction, He came to steer us to the right path and guide our ways.
The brokenness of that silent night so long ago was instantly made whole when the long awaited Messiah was brought forth…
When we are left wondering how and why, we have an answer. Our brokenness was given a remedy in the form of a newborn baby.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
It's the most wonderful time of the year!"No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning..."It's the most wonderful time of the year.
It is the story of a teenage girl, pregnant with a child that is not her husband's.
It is the story of a child born in a dirty animal stall.
It is the story of a family of refugees who had to flee their homeland so that their child would not be killed.
It is the story of one sent into the world in peace who was condemned to death.
It is the story of a light sent to shine in the darkness, which the world snuffed out.
It is the story of God's never-ending, self-giving mercy which was rejected and condemned.In the great work the Messiah, Handel quotes the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming that Jesus was "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." One great theologian reminds us that we cannot come to the manger without acknowledging that it lays in the shadow of the cross.
Father,
Just as you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus, clear a path in our hearts. Show us the distractions in our lives that keep us from focusing on you this Advent season.
Lord, we await Your coming! As we prepare to celebrate the first Christmas––the first coming––we look toward the day where we will see you face to face. Give us minds to remember the ways in which you have already done great work in us, give us eyes to see how you are presently working in the world right now, and hearts that long for your return in the future .
Help us to live our lives constantly aware of your presence. Awaken our souls to the truth of your grace, and prepare us to joyfully receive our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes again in glory.
Amen
