Our knowledge is like an iceberg; we know a little, but the vast amount we have yet to learn still remains hidden from us.”
–Louis L’Amour (Callaghen)
“No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.”
–1 Corinthians 2:7 (NLT)
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What a time of year this is! Time has been divided with the birth of Jesus. Of course the more enlightened ones use BCE and CE, but come on, where did they make the break? B.C. — “before Christ” and instead today the politically correct usage is “before the common (or current) era”. Silly, really silly. Just because the brilliant ones do not want to use the name of Christ it is still divided by His birth.
The birth of Jesus marks the change of so many things. One that is often forgotten is that there was a political change. Isaiah proclaimed that the “government would be upon His shoulders.” Herod was afraid that he might lose his throne. The Jews brought Him to trial for saying He was a king and therefore a threat to the Roman Empire. Jesus simply replied that His kingdom was not of this world. He is reigning, but most people do not recognize it, but soon, He will come back to earth to reign as King. This all went into action at His birth.
Here is a wonderful carol that we seldom hear anymore.
“In the little village of Bethlehem,
There lay a Child one day;
And the sky was bright with a holy light
O’er the place where Jesus lay.”
–William H. Neidlinger
It may be hard to see that the hay was a holy place, especially when compared to the majestic throne of heaven, but wherever He was it was holy. We should grasp that, for the same should be true if we are truly following Him. We are His temple on earth. Yet, that makes me wonder why so many so-called Christians profane the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The manger, the stable, the lowly position of being a commoner was so different to His glorious abode. Jesus came to show us true humility is actually part of being a king. Service is part of the action of a king. That small babe, lying there, came to give the world so much. That day, the day of His birth began a great scene in the cosmos both physically and spiritually. From that day forward He would proceed to fulfill His purpose and mission for mankind.
“’Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much
God gave to us that day,
From the manger bed what a path has led,
What a perfect, holy way.”
This season, whenever you see the colored lights, remember the Person who created “light.” When you see the lights on a tree or in a store, remember these represent His birthday. Even if the display is completely secular, it could not happen without the creator of lights.
Look up and see the stars. Those celestial lights shine every night and they were created by the king. We would not have them if not for a word from His lips.
Christmas! How we should look up and rejoice! How we should bow our heads in humility for the great gift of the heavenly Father. There is much commercialization of Christmas, but none of it could have happened without the birth of Jesus.
“Alleluia! O how the angels sang.
Alleluia! How it rang!
And the sky was bright with a holy light
’Twas the birthday of a King.”
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Christmas Thought: “Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”
–Oren Arnold