Our story begins at the beginning of the world. As God created the world, Jesus was already with him. “He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” -John 1:2-3 Jesus is the light that overcomes the darkness.
During the Christmas season it becomes real. The whole story of the birth of Jesus is a stumbling block for many. A young girl says that she is pregnant and God is the Father of her child? Right! How much ridicule would a girl take for making that claim today? I’m sure Mary had her share of those who judged her. Who in their right mind, would make such a claim? But an angel had appeared to her telling her that she had been chosen to bear the son of God. That had to be difficult for her to comprehend, too. But, that’s what the angel told her. Have you ever seen an angel? Me neither. What would go through your mind? I suppose one would think they’d heard something or seen something that wasn’t really there.
However, Mary had faith in God and knew that what the angel told her was true. What about Joseph, though? He had his doubts as well. In fact, he planned to divorce her quietly until he also had a visit from an angel.
So, it’s understandable that the whole incarnation of a Savior born to a virgin is a stumbling block for many people. Without faith, I think it would be impossible to believe. It isn’t logical. God is not logical because he doesn’t have to be. He is God, after all!
When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, his plan was to have a relationship with them. He walked in the garden with them and talked with them. That would be so cool! To be able to see God on a social level. To talk with him face to face. Can you imagine how he felt when the one thing that he told them not to do was what came between them? He’d provided everything that they needed.
From the time of the fall in the Garden of Eden, we were separated from God. However, he made a way for our iniquities to be overcome when he sent a baby as our Savior. Jesus lived a sinless life and ultimately gave his life for ours. The birth of Christ was meant to build the foundation of our faith. He came to us as a lowly baby, not a majestic king. He could relate to all of the troubles that we go through, because he lived it himself!
Relationship is important to God! His plan is for fellowship with him and with our fellow man, not isolation. “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” -John 1:14 He came here to be with us. We didn’t have to go to him, he came to us! He came to bring peace between the people, giving his own body on the cross so that the Good News could be brought to all.
We were so important to God, that Jesus came into our world the same way we did. He lived in our world and can understand our struggles. We can relate to that. God won’t give up on us. We need to reach out to him to remain in community with him and allow him to move in our lives.
Wow. He loves us so much to do all that he has done to remain in a relationship with us. Faith is the key to believing the story of the humble beginnings of a baby who came to save us. Born of a virgin in a stable because there was no room in the inn…
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 