Luke 2: 13, 14
I was reading an advent devotional when this portion stood out:
"The night Christ was born was the most monumental and awe-inspiring event in human history. God was revealed by his Son on earth so that we could learn from him and ultimately have eternal life through him. There has not been an event in history before or after
Christ's birth that resulted in so many people celebrating."
Angels filled the night sky above the starstruck shepherds on that long ago night in Bethlehem. Excitedly, these lowly men became the very first witnesses who spread the word to anyone who had the wisdom to listen: The Messiah has arrived!
Recently, my father died. It's so strange to me when I ponder the finality of his being gone! No longer do I hear his voice or see him in his recliner. His blue eyes are forever closed. Where did he go? It's all so mysterious! Where exactly is heaven? How did he get there? It's as if there is a great chasm fixed between God's home and ours.
Here's where the celebration comes in: God, laying his glory aside, crossed over the chasm himself in the form of a baby so he could show us the way back. Almost like a Lewis and Clark expedition! Jesus traced out the trail, frankly telling us, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father except through me." (John 14:6) In my mind's eye, I can see him, wearing a khaki shirt and a pith helmet, hacking down overgrowth with a machete, looking over his shoulder to see if I am following safely. "C'mon! Follow me!" he says.
Around the world, Christmas celebrations take place. When you see lights, trees and stars, join in the revelry. God is with us! Hurray!
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