On Immanuel

John 1:14-18 JB Phillips  So the word of God became a human being and lived among us. We saw his splendour (the splendour as of a father’s only son), full of grace and truth. And it was about him that John stood up and testified, exclaiming: “Here is the one I was speaking about when I said that although he would come after me he would always be in front of me; for he existed before I was born!” Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches—there is a grace in our lives because of his grace. For while the Law was given by Moses, love and truth came through Jesus Christ. It is true that no one has ever seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only Son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known.

Observation

“So the word of God became a human being and lived among us.”  This is what Christmas is about.  The Creator of all chose to become a man, His creation, so He could redeem humanity which had become corrupted by paying a price only He could pay.  Only He could do this and, ultimately, He set the requirements for redemption.  Have you ever asked yourself questions about the how and why?  I have.

Why be born as a baby under a shadow of questionable parentage?  Why be born in a manger?  Why in a backwater like Bethlehem rather than Jerusalem?  Why the Cross?  Jesus came quietly as Immanuel; oh, except for the loudly rejoicing angels who were apparently only seen and heard by the shepherds out in the fields!  All of these questions can be answered by prophecies made long before regarding Messiah, but why ordain this difficult way?

Impact on Me

I have long ago given up lamenting about how and why God leads me and others on the pathways in our lives.  I have come to know that Jesus, Messiah, Immanuel, came to bring eternal Truth not the harmony of compromise, shalom peace not the complacency of not rocking the boat, God’s grace rather than forgiveness in word only, His life not just human existence, relationship not religion, and faith in Him rather than depending on what we can accomplish in our own strength.   He came to challenge the culture the devil sells as desirable, pleasurable and inevitable for mankind.  This caused controversy and still does.

I am determined to live by Heaven’s culture.  Coming to this place has happened through holding on to Him as we walked together through physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.  Have I lamented as to why this path – yes!  Have I wondered if He left my side – yes!  Have I cried out asking if He forgot me – yes!   But, He is always there and always leading me on in hope and giving me the strength to make better choices and hold on to the end – most of the time with no explanation necessary as I look back over the road and assess what I have gained by walking in faith with Him through it.

Romans 15:13 JB Phillips May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.

Prayer

Lord God, Creator, Redeemer, Immanuel, I am so grateful.  Jesus’ birth was the beginning of the sacrifice to redeem us, the desire to make a way for us to live in You and You in us, for us to be representatives of Heaven’s culture here on earth.  As I celebrate Christmas, all the questions are moot when I remember the purpose of that birth with awe and wonder.  May I let my laments be less for my condition and, instead, reflect and join with Your heart as it aches over the condition of the world.  Remind me always that it is Jesus in me that will change the world.  As I sing those familiar carols, may I listen to the words and rejoice for Immanuel – God with us!  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.