The Coming of the Divine and Human with Love

“The central miracle asserted by Christians is the incarnation. They say that God became man.”  - C. S. Lewis

At this time of year, it is easy to forget the actual purpose of the newborn so lovingly attended to by his parents on that special night in what was basically a storage enclosure for animals.

His arrival shouldn't have been a surprise since it had been part of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14;  Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2). Sadly, many today want to see big, bold, event-packed happenings, not the low-key birth of another child into poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus' earthly parents had been summoned to the small town of Bethlehem (Bethlehem Ephrathah) to participate in a census of the whole Roman region when it became time for his birth. 

However, due to the assembled multitude there, they were left with no choice but to find accommodations where they could. Jesus' humble entry into this world would serve him well as he grew into adulthood (Philippians 2:7). 

Somewhere, hidden among the din and bustle, is the story of God becoming human in the Person of Jesus Christ. This is what we should be honoring and celebrating, not the giving and receiving of inconsequential, soon-forgotten gifts.

Jesus came to us bearing only one gift, and that gift was "love." The act of love cannot be found or purchased in an exclusive store, boutique; nor even online at any price. God demonstrated this by a simple act:

"Because God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

The genuine meaning of Christmas does not come with a price tag. That has already been paid for by the "love" of God through his Son, Jesus Christ. May you keep this faithful impression in your hearts and minds this season, and always.

Scripture: John 1:14; John 15:13; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9

Prayer: "How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings."  - Psalm 36:7

May God be with you,

Sophie