As we take time out each day this week to really focus in on Christ and what He did for us, we need to start by looking at how and why He came into this world. In the book of Genesis we see how God created this beautiful and perfect world. He brought light into darkness. I can’t even begin to imagine how beautiful and glorious it must have been. Unfortunately, we see that before long, darkness returned to the world through sin. But then we see in the Old Testament the promise of a Messiah given to the people from God. I love the words in Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Our loving Creator so desired to give us a way to return to that wonderful relationship He so desires to have with us. He does not want us to walk in darkness but instead to be in the light of His glory and grace.
We see God’s promise come to fruition when our Heavenly Father, through an act of love that we can never understand, miraculously sends his only son Jesus to be born of a virgin. The Messiah, which had been prophesied about for so many years, is finally going to be here. In the book of Luke we see the wonderful words of Zechariah written in a song that he shares when He knows his son John the Baptist is the one to go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, and to share knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, to bring light back into this dark world. Zechariah says, “… because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79).
This image of the contrast of light coming into a dark place seems as such an obvious change that no one should ever miss it. Yet, as we look on in the Scriptures, we see how Jesus came into the world in a very humble way. No bright lights, no fancy cradle to place Him in, or fancy cloths to wrap Him in. But, instead, the Messiah was placed in a manger in a dark stable because there was no room for Him. The Messiah, Jehovah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords was here, yet many people didn’t recognize Him.
This is one of the most impactful things about Jesus that touches my heart and my life-that He came into this world in such a humble way, with no big fanfare, because He didn’t come to be served, but rather came to serve. He came out of love. He came to restore you and me to our Heavenly Father. He came to die for me and for you. Yet, so many people still don’t recognize Him. This is where it hits me. Am I living my life in such a way that people can see Christ in me? Or do they see me? Our desire in life shouldn’t be to have the spotlight on us, rather we should be a light into this world for Christ. So, as we go through this week remembering all that Christ did for us, I challenge you to look at what have you done for Christ. Have we given God all the honor and glory He so deserves? Have we thanked Him for sending His Son for us?
Maybe you aren’t sure where you stand in this relationship with God. Maybe you have some questions. Well, there’s no better time than now to get those questions answered and start having the relationship with Jesus that God so desires for you. Please feel free to call myself or one of the pastors as we would love to talk with you. God’s Word promises that the next time Jesus comes everyone will recognize Him. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!!!
Glenn Cohrs