Jesus' Birth... Our Life!

I have been intrigued by the theme of my recent blog posts. From the joy of the Lord to a dying newborn to the martyrs of the faith, the topics have been varied and not necessarily Christmas-like. I think I understand why. There is no Christmas without Christ, and there is no Christ without the Cross. If we come to Christmas thinking it's just about a cute baby in swaddling clothes, we've missed the point of His coming.

Jesus is totally other; there is not one like Him. But the story has become too familiar. It helps if we reflect on it anew as if hearing it for the first time.

A heavenly king took on flesh and became human. Jesus left His throne to descend upon a dark and dangerous world as an innocent child. The One who laid the foundations of the world, Wisdom Incarnate, the Alpha and the Omega, chose to dwell in a human body with limits - suddenly, vulnerable. Surrounded by dirty animals, He was born in a dark cave and laid in a feeding trough for cattle. Lowly shepherds and kings alike came to honor and worship Him, for He came for all, regardless of creed or social status. Though perceived by only a chosen few, His glorious light dispelled the darkness for all.

This Savior of the world who chose an infant's body as His home came for one reason: to die for us. His shadow is the Cross.

Beyond the highly unusual circumstances of His birth, this Advent I've reflected much more on Jesus' purpose for coming. On that very first Christmas day, He was already destined to give His life for sinners that we may partake of His glorious life. Apart from Him, we are dead in our sin; period. As author CS Lewis noted, "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, I invite you to join me in this prayer. Lord Jesus, I thank You for coming into this broken world to show us the way of life. I am sorry for all the ways that I deny and reject You, and I come to You asking for the free gift of life that comes as I open my heart to You. Thank You that You will reveal Yourself to me as I surrender my life to You, for that is why You came.

Have a blessed Christmas full of the life, love, and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In Him, there is life - abundant life!

His!
Dr Mari

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; 

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)