This is the week before Christmas and it is important to take our minds back to the actual events of the very first Christmas. On that eve, almost the entire world was oblivious to the amazing occurrence that was about to be witnessed. Divinity was about to be born in human form. In a special body crafted and formed in the womb of a virgin Jewish lady, God the Son was birthed in a manger. In Heaven He said His goodbye and made His entrance to earth. Ushered by the chorale of angels singing in the skies, Jesus our Redeemer said hello to the world.
Each time I cast my mind back to the cradle, I do not just think of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes:
“But we do see Jesus — made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace He might taste death for everyone — crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering in death. For in bringing many sons to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God — all things exist for Him and through Him — should make the source of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers, ... Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the Devil — and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it is clear that He does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.”
Hebrews 2:9-11, 14-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible
I see Jesus, my Sacrificial Substitute, Salvation Captain, Special Sibling, Sacred Sanctifier, Satan Destroyer and Sympathetic High Priest.
This week, I want to leave us with the words of another poem I read not too long ago:
Who art Thou, precious little babe, nestled in the hay?
God I am, come to earth this day.
Why didst Thou come, sweet little babe nestled in the hay?
To die, I came, the price of sin to pay.
Who's sin, tender little babe, nestled in the hay?
Yours it was, that brought Me down today.
Exchanging temporarily His throne for a stable, He came here on a mission to save His own. Calvary was the reason for Bethlehem; the reason for the cradle was the cross at Golgotha. And so even now, as we celebrate His birth, let us remember He was born to die. The reason for His birth was His death and resurrection.
This week, I have chosen “O Holy Night” by Hillsong as my song for the week. Have a merry Christmas folks.
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