As we head into yet another Christmas season of celebrating the coming of God as a baby to mankind, I have a different perspective to offer. One I hope will make us all think.
At the time of His birth, life was rough. The Roman government could be cruel and unjust to those who were not citizens of the Empire.
But, the people had a hope. Prophecy from Daniel told them the timing was right for the Messiah to come. They were looking for Him. They expected a dramatic change once He arrived. They thought He would obliterate the Romans and let the Israelites rule the land again.
But that's not what they got. They got a baby born to the wife of a carpenter in a small thought-of-as-insignificant town. A baby who grew up in a place that had a bad reputation. A baby whose life was no different from theirs - he worked a job, lost a father, and had to support a family. There was nothing from the time He arrived that met with the desire and want of the people of God.
Yet, this was God's plan. God came and showed His presence in a powerful way by healing, teaching and spending time with many people. He reached out to the rejected of Israel, to those who thought they were unworthy of God. Even some gentiles and Romans received His attention. He taught anyone who would listen -- explaining the heart of the law.
He wasn't the warrior they wanted. And when He left, life was still tough and cruel. The Romans were still in charge, and in fact, things got worse for those who picked up where Jesus left off. This was what God wanted.
Do you have a trouble you want to disappear? Do you want God to come in and take away the pain? Do you want God to be a warrior somewhere in your life?
What if...He wants to spend time with you and show you some things? What if...He has other plans through this time? What if...He wants to use this time to reach people in ways He hasn't been able to reach them before?
Life has been tough this year. We have all been affected in various ways. God is here, let's listen. Let's allow Him to birth in us a renewed joy for His presence that comes like the birth of a baby.
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