What an amazing legacy Jesus established when he came to earth as a small baby, born in a smelly stable on that cold winter night in Bethlehem so long ago. He gave up His Glory so that we may share in that Glory by believing in Him.
“ though he was rich, yet, for your sake’s, he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
Thus started an epic thirty three year journey of sacrifice and persecution, in order to assure our salvation and place in heaven. He accepted the limitations of infancy and humanness, under the most appalling conditions-a filthy stable-so that he could identify with mankind, and provide the Light of the Knowledge of His Glory for all to see, experience, and accept.
A simple question…Are we ready and able to make that kind of sacrifice that He made so long ago?
“ For God, who said, “let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts, so we could know the Glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Jesus traveled a road of rejection and persecution amongst his own people, whom he had been born to save. He was a sinless man, perfect in all respects, but many were blinded to His Truth.
“ if the good news we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the Glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:3
But, we who believe, were commissioned by Him, like His disciples, to spread His Light amongst those unbelievers, in order to lift the veil so they may see HIs Glory.
” we now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
And as Jesus faced trials and persecution, and ultimately death itself, we too will have to endure all that He had to endure, including maybe death.
“ we are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
So, as we all celebrate this traditionally festive holiday, we must also remember what it was all about in that smelly little stable on that cold wintry night. He brought us the Light of His Father’s Glory. He then bestowed that light upon us so that we may spread the Good News of His Birth also, just like the shepherds were instructed to do on that wondrous night.
”after seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened, and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd’s story were astonished.” Luke 2:17-18
My Prayer For This Special Day:
Lord, this was a special Christmas for me, spending it with you. I know there will be other Christmas days that I will spend with family and friends. But this year it was important to spend it with you on your special day. Lord, thank you for the best Christmas gift of all, mankind’s salvation and eternal life through you. Amen.The
