Christmas Greetings, December 2018
“And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem … But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 4:8; 5:2
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
The Glory of God is made known among men—not in the splendor of the Temple, but in the setting of the sheep-folds. His chosen entrance into the world is not with demonstrations of infinite power, but in the humble setting of a poor, peasant family, in the staggering condescension of helpless infancy. Not to priests and kings is His coming announced, but rather to humble shepherds, themselves considered “unclean” by the religious leaders of the day.
In a stable on the outskirts of tiny Bethlehem, the city of David, near the ancient “tower of Eder” (the “tower of the flock”), the greatest miracle of human history took place when God stooped to become man, and so accomplish redemption for our fallen race. History has recorded many theologies built on either God’s sovereignty—or His power—but none can compete with any theology built on His vast love and infinite humility.
Jesus the Christ conquered Satan, sin, and death—not by decree, nor law, nor force. He conquered all His enemies by His love for them, and His sacrifice in their stead. The grand objective of His sacrifice is to recreate man in His own image. To those who receive His unmerited gift of grace, the lessons of His coming are constantly reinforced. Never are we commanded to imitate Him in sovereignty, power, or rule. Always, we are challenged to imitate His humility, love, and sacrifice.
As we come to the end of this year, we give thanks for all who join us in striving to reflect His light and love to a dark and hostile world. Our prayer is that—by His grace alone—the world may look upon each of us and see “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6b).
Merry Christmas!
Gene and Nan