Well today is quite a big day. Not only is it Christmas, but it is also day 200 for the blog. I know that I have missed a couple of days here and there, but I promise I didn’t plan this. Either way, thanks for the support. It’s a big milestone for me and God has been doing some pretty sweet stuff. He has provided me with some great testimonies already, and we’re still going. Now for the blog…
About once a month or so, I’ve wanted to write a post about where I am with my relationship with all things God, religion, or church. It’s been such a sweet time of reflection and I’m thankful for you guys reading through that monthly post. You can read the previous ones if you’ve missed any in that series (My Creator, Rescue, Savior, Church, Redeemer, and Tension). I call it a series, but they’re really sporadic and really only related because of the idea.
So this Christmas has been a quiet one. I’ve loved the time at home and as much as I miss being out in the world, it was such a blessing to have a fairly restful day. I was able to sit back today and just think about what this day means. Sure, I understand that it’s not the exact date of Jesus’ birth, that this is an adapted pagan holiday, and whatever random fact some haters want to throw out there, but I tried to think about what it stood for. An interesting thought came to mind.
I just started thinking about the Gospel. I started thinking about all that I knew was going to happen to this man whose birth we’re celebrating. Most of the birthdays that we celebrate, those people had no idea at their birth what was going to happen. Lincoln didn’t know about slavery or the theater. King hadn’t had any dreams or ever been to a hotel. Columbus had never seen the ocean or even thought about exploration. The point is, these men and women chose to stand for something, never knowing what the outcome could be. Jesus chose to stand for something, knowing exactly what would happen. And He left His spot, His throne in heaven to do it.
I read the passage the other day about husbands loving their wives the way Jesus loved the church. I’m not a husband, but I’ve read this passage several times and just thought about sacrificial love and protection. When this thought came to mind again today, the word that I couldn’t get out of my head was initiator. Would the world have continued to exist without Jesus coming? If we were still living under the Law today, would we still be here? More than likely. But…
But, Jesus initiated something that we didn’t even know we needed. But, Jesus stepped down from His perfect spot, knowing full well what was ahead of Him. But, Jesus set into motion something that people had only talked about through dreams and visions that He gave them. But, Jesus chose us and He chose humility above glory.
I know you hear it all the time that Christmas isn’t about presents received, but about the gift given. Has that really set in for you today? The action of the Gospel was initiated with this event. Today represents the day He left everything for us. So that ALL that hear His name and His truth would be saved. It’s not an exclusive club, but one that would accept anyone. Love isn’t just about responding well to the people around you. It includes initiating actions that they may not even know they need at the time. It’s about laying down our rights so that they can see the true face of the Father.
Jesus initiated His arrival so that the world could get a glimpse of the Father. What can we initiate to mirror this picture?
