By Dr. DAN ERICKSON
This week I sat down and read the story of the birth of Jesus, looking for any new thoughts or ideas. God was once again faithful to show me something fresh. I hope that I can be of encouragement to you in this Christmas season by sharing these thoughts.
Although Jesus’ birth was predicted in many ways in scripture, the people who should have recognized him did not do so. I think this is because the Messiah didn’t arrive in the way they were expecting.
There was no royal robe, crown or entourage. He was not rich or famous. His birth was more humble than any of ours. A long trip, no place to stay, the birth in a manger with animals – this was no one’s idea of a king’s birth.
Yet God manifested himself that night as a tiny baby and the shepherds rejoiced. In the same way, we can observe Christ in the quiet, small details of life – if we are looking. I think we see evidence of him in the smile of a child, the ring of the bell by the Salvation Army, the hug of a friend or the love of family. We need to notice the small and significant ways Christ touches each of us. The miracle of Christmas begs us to be the one who smiles, who rings the bell and who gives a hug. Christ calls us to love our world, a world that still doesn’t see the One who came and lives today.
As you celebrate, we pray that Christ will be acknowledged and his coming celebrated for who he is.
“She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:2
