Do you still stop and wonder at Christmas?
As I get older the wonder seems to be increasing. I’ve read the scriptures, heard the story, sung the carols, spoken at carol services countless times, and it never ceases to amaze me. The simplicity, the glory, the heights, the depths, the love, the mercy, the grace.
Many millions, even billions, of babies have been born down through the millenia, but none like this one and in this way, one who was born very God and very man. One who would be called, Emmanuel, God. With. Us.
For some 400 years the heavens had largely been silent, prophetic utterances stilled. It was a time of longing, of waiting, when would it be? And then all of a sudden there was a whole lot of heavenly activity. Angels turning up, people being moved by the Spirit and speaking out. A virgin girl named Mary who was betrothed to a man named Joseph is told she will conceive and have a baby, not by any humans means, but by the Holy Spirit! Unheard of!
They are to name him Jesus, and he will be called great, the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign forever and his kingdom will have no end. The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. All words dripping with meaning for the people who had been called by God for this very moment. Charismatic praises and prophecy surround the unfolding events. Shepherd’s and wise men come and worship… Wonder of wonders!
For what purpose? To bring light into our darkness, hope into our hopelessness, peace and joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation and new life by reconciling humanity with a holy, loving and just God. Not simply to make us feel better, give us goose bumps, help us through a difficult patch, but radical life transformation by being reconciled and reconnected to the life-giver.
Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The wonder of it! May it thrill your heart and soul this Christmas! He did it all for you! May you be filled with holy wonder!
The Word 4 Life 