Messiah in a Manger

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image source: James Shulz at fineart.com

    Growing up, one tradition that my parents created for our family was the playing of Handel's Messiah every year throughout the Christmas season.  It is a classical oratorio piece that is absolutely jam-packed with Scripture put to beautiful music. You have probably heard "The Hallelujah Chorus?" We learned to stand for that section, in honor of the glorious entrance of Christ as King.  Even with the scratchiness of the old vinyl record, it just didn't feel like Christmas until we had heard this playing through the house as we went about our other Christmas traditions. This was just one way that my parents worked hard to keep Jesus the central focus of the Christmas season. 
    Recently, my oldest son (15 years old) had the opportunity to lead a ministry time for over 70 people.  He only had a few hours notice.  He was understandably nervous and trying to decide what to say. My only advice was, "Point them to Jesus."  
    We hear all the time, "Keep Christ in Christmas," or "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."  It becomes cliche for us; we glibly hear and say these phrases and often just go on our merry way. The season is so busy; there is so much to do. We may put up a Nativity Scene, and even send out a card that has a Scripture verse.  We go to the Christmas play at church.  But, otherwise, our hearts and homes often look no different than the world's at Christmas. 
    What does it mean to you and me that the Creator of the universe came to a sinful, ugly earth as a baby?  What is the big deal? Do we really even care?  Well, if we believe the Bible is truth (and I hope you do, because it is) there is coming a day when we will care, and what we believe about the Messiah in a manger will mean the difference between eternity in Heaven or Hell. 
    You see, Jesus didn't have to come to earth as a baby and grow up in this wicked world as a the God-man. He had the right and the power to crumple up this creation throw it in the trash. But in His grace and pity,  He redeemed us.  To do that, He became the perfect sacrifice.  The birth of the "Anointed One," or "Messiah" from a woman was critical to His humanity. The virgin-birth was critical His Deity.  As God who became a man, He was worthy to pay the penalty for all of our wretched and ugly sins of disobedience, ignorance, and pride. We can never ever repay the debt we owe Him.  Gratitude for such a gift should be all-consuming. 
    My challenge to each of us today is this:  Do we truly believe that we need a Saviour? If we do, then we should live in such a way that we are in continuous worship and gratitude for the birth of the Christ-child.  Is this the first and foremost thought on our minds, or just an after-thought?  I can assure you that the Bible tells us that there is coming a day when it will be the ONLY thought on our minds. 
    So, this Christmas, let's be intentional about pointing our children and the world to Jesus.  Let our lives show that this is the only thing that really matters.  Let's lead the world to Jesus.

💓 Heather Sparks💓
    

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