Friday, December 24, 2010

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

God became man.

It sends a chill down my spine. Not only because it's so outside of my pea brain to understand the concept, but also because I still grapple with the "why"?

Okay, I mean, I totally get WHY...but why?

Why me? Why you?

I guess I can't really speak for you because, well, I don't know you, but I KNOW me.

Know what I mean?

I've heard it said that if I was the only person on earth, that Christ still would have been born and died for me. It boggles the mind. I'm so not worth it. I'm petty and angry and sarcastic. I want things my way. I curse and grumble. I find very little good in me.

And yet...

C.S Lewis once compared God becoming man to man becoming a toad for the sake of toads everywhere. Ridiculous I say!

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Many people don't really have a problem with the infant Jesus as he lay so peacefully surrounded by shepherds and kings. He's not threatening and he's easily dismissed. Yet, one must remember the Cross at Christmas too. The blood and gore and the striking inhumanity of it all.

Why me? Why you?

Why not?

She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed His last" Mark 15:37

..."But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus...Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they (the angels) said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!..." Luke 24:2, 5

God's gift is not the tiny infant so helpless and small.

The gift is Jesus, in full glory, brimming with hope and salvation for all who accept the gift of life.

The package, which I'm not worthy to receive, isn't tucked under your Christmas tree this year. You won't find it hidden in the closet or bundled in some stuffy church service.

The package is Jesus, available year round. It's the perfect gift for those of us who have everything...and nothing.

And even though I come with dirty hands and face, sin stained and ugly, I know Jesus smiles and holds out this wonderful gift to me.

And to you.

Merry Christmas

4 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

Sandcastle Momma said...

Beautifully said.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Island Rider said...

Merry Christmas to you as well!

Darrell Michaels said...

Magnificent, Annie! You have a gift for putting the immense into proper perspective, ma'am.

I hope you find nothing but joy and love this Christmas season and into the new year!