“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” ……. Seems good so far, right? So sweet and picturesque. It is just the way we want to frame the Christmas story. We set up the tree, we bring out the lights, we put the ornaments on the tree, and we set up the manger. Most manger scenes are peaceful and serene looking. Mostly displayed with the angels, clean shepherds, the gifts of plenty and a peaceful little Christ-Child with his little glowing halo. But this was, more than likely, not really the exact picture. Sure, the Angels we nearby and there were the shepherds and even the lovely gifts, but this was nothing picturesque going on here. It was an uphill battle to get to this point. From the scandalous moment the angel told Mary she was going to be with child; although she had never been with a man and most definitely not with her fiancé, Joseph; to the moment where Joseph had to be assured by the angel that everything was going to be ok and then they end up in dingy, dirty smelly animal barn. Such an ideal place for a King. But this was a king not like any other before him and no other since. This King was coming from royalty, into very humble surroundings. This probably shocked the Wise men, but it may have excited the shepherds; once they processed things. The angels had just made their announcement to the shepherds and if heavenly host greeted you, your expectations are pretty high. So, having just gone through that experience, the shepherds we probably thinking they would see someone who was way out of their reach. Then you have the wise men who were obviously well read, very educated and probably wealthy, so they were thinking they were going to be seeing someone on their own level. Each group had to take this moment in and really let it process. Once they had gone through the question of “What Child is This,” it started to sink in that He is just as the prophecies had said he would be. For hundreds of years, the people had been crying out and praying “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and be our ransom. Who is better to be able to do this, than a king who understands the needs of those He is there to set free. He understands what they are going through. The shepherds are getting extremely excited because they are realizing He gets them. The wise men are getting pumped up because they are putting all the puzzle pieces together and this can be no other than Emmanuel....” And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This is reason for celebration.
We pray that you will have some time to really think about things; to reflect on the reason He came, in the way He came; and realize how amazing this divine invention was for all humanity and most importantly for you. No matter what you are going through, we hope and pray that Prince of Peace will fill you with hope and joy.
Merry Christmas to Each of you.
Keep Rocking.
God Bless,