As all things in life, we have various impressions. A severe electrical storm, seen from a distance, often magnifies the strength of our Creator. When this same storm comes close to home, the power of it drives fear into the innermost part of our being. We often are impressed with our insignificance. Our absolute vulnerability. Totally incapable of staying safe!
My impression of Christmas has been, and mostly still is, the birth of my Saviour. Sometimes I need a reality check. A boost to my faith. Today as I read in the book of prophet Isaiah about the circumstances leading up to the birth of Christ, I understand just a little how the world under the Mosaic law had crumbled, and the original plan was all but destroyed.
Isaiah 11:11: “…in that day…the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people…”. In other words, to salvage the leftovers.
In the buildup to Jesus’ birth and during His short literal rule, followed by His crucifixion, the vast majority of mankind just did not get it! They were absolutely lost in the confusion. Leading up to Jesus’ birth it was all about power. Fiscal power. Political power. Religious power. And power, by common definition, lacks sustainable vision. In almost all cases power will self-destruct.
As a result, the Jews, Romans, emperors and magistrates didn’t foresee or see the birth of Jesus happening. In their self-absorbed way, when they heard the prophets, they chose to interpret it to what their finite minds craved. Still another source of power! In fact, what Jesus’ birth did was introduce a level of power the world had never seen. The sanctimonious era was over. A child confused the elders of the present Church. Miracles happened. The poor were in the limelight. The faithful that remained cuddled the Christ child. The prophecies were now revealed, in clear view. To the detail! Incredible detail.
Now, 2,000 years later, the world is again in utter confusion. Power struggles are all around us. Prophesied pestilences are occurring. Men love themselves to a fault. All manner of iniquity surrounds us. There is confusion like never before. Ungodliness. Unbelief.
In the midst of all this, there is a path. A path that’s serene and quiet. The star in the east still beckons to us to come to Bethlehem. To find God’s son. Jesus.
I feel compelled this Christmas to be quietly aware. Aware of the power of Jesus. To watch the storm’s violent presence. To realize I am near the cradle of Jesus. I am of the fortunate few who grasp in faith the twinkle of the eastern star. Pointing to peace.
Please join me.
