I love Christmas!
For me, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, it is very easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the season and get so tired that you lose sight of what the season is all about. I know. I've been there.
But try this: stop for just a moment, take a deep breath, and relax. Get a picture of the Nativity Scene in your mind. The baby Jesus lying in the manger; Mary and Joseph looking on with holy pride and human joy. The shepherds waiting just outside, hoping to get just a glimpse of the holy child. I can almost hear the par-rump-a-pum-pum of the little drummer boy, offering the only gift he has, himself.
This is a very humble and peaceful beginning to a story that will end in tragic violence!
Well, it almost ends that way.
The cross is not quite the end of the story, not quite the climax that some in that day wanted it to be. But the story would be meaningless without the cross. This humble, peaceful little baby boy would soon make a tremendous sacrifice.
His sacrifice began not long after His birth. As soon as His little body and mind matured sufficiently, Jesus began a life of obedience to God, totally disregarding any selfish desires that may have tempted him! In His ministry on earth, He sought to convey God's love and peace upon all who would receive it.
Amazingly, Jesus had enemies. His main enemies seemed to be those we would have expected to embrace Him and His teaching - the religious leaders. Throughout His adult life Jesus faced one confrontation after another with these leaders, until they finally got the upper hand. Or so it seemed.
From the Manger to the Cross, Jesus sacrificed His life and desires in obedience to the Father.
The beginning of the story is humble and peaceful, but the end of the story is glorious! The Resurrection seals our everlasting destiny. And THIS is what Christmas is all about! There can be no Resurrection without the Cross, and no Cross without the Manger.
Be blessed.
Pastor Mark
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