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 | Christ's birth was nothing short of a miracle. There is no way to justify it rationally or scientifically; it is inexplicable and supernatural. The birth of Jesus Christ was a momentous occasion for humankind; the world had been waiting for the Messiah for centuries, and suddenly, he was here. The weeks leading up to Christmas provide a timely opportunity to reflect on Christ's coming, both his physical birth and his second coming. |
While we celebrate the fact that Jesus came to earth as an infant to fulfill a holy plan, it is important to remember the bigger picture, the culmination of that holy plan. He came once before, and He will come again. The entire Bible is a message that points us to that very completion.
God has always had a plan for us. That plan was put into action immediately once sin entered the world. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, resulting in a separation from Him. In his grace, however, he set about to reconcile the human race to Himself. In fact, the very first mention of Jesus, the means of reconciliation, is recorded in Genesis 3:15. We are not free from the consequences of humanity's fall, but we have hope knowing that our relationship with the Creator will be restored.
Because he is good and just, God established covenants with His people to symbolize his offer of eternal fellowship. Noah was assured that the earth would never again be destroyed. Abraham was promised to become a great nation with many descendants. Even as the Israelites continued to rebel, God promised to protect their future. King David was guaranteed that his kingdom would never end. And though the Israelites continued in their rebellion and ingratitude, God promised them a new covenant based solely on His grace.
Throughout this special season, it is easy to focus on the magic of nativity story and the coming of a holy baby. Indeed, it does deserve a special place in our hearts. But let us not lose sight of another coming. The Bible is a love story written to a rebellious creation by a holy Creator, and in his wisdom and mercy, He has not left us to reap what we have sown. Now, like the Israelites waited for the baby in a manger, we wait. We wait for the coming of a King who is our Savior. As you celebrate this holiday season, pray that God will prepare your heart for His coming.
God has always had a plan for us. That plan was put into action immediately once sin entered the world. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, resulting in a separation from Him. In his grace, however, he set about to reconcile the human race to Himself. In fact, the very first mention of Jesus, the means of reconciliation, is recorded in Genesis 3:15. We are not free from the consequences of humanity's fall, but we have hope knowing that our relationship with the Creator will be restored.
Because he is good and just, God established covenants with His people to symbolize his offer of eternal fellowship. Noah was assured that the earth would never again be destroyed. Abraham was promised to become a great nation with many descendants. Even as the Israelites continued to rebel, God promised to protect their future. King David was guaranteed that his kingdom would never end. And though the Israelites continued in their rebellion and ingratitude, God promised them a new covenant based solely on His grace.
Throughout this special season, it is easy to focus on the magic of nativity story and the coming of a holy baby. Indeed, it does deserve a special place in our hearts. But let us not lose sight of another coming. The Bible is a love story written to a rebellious creation by a holy Creator, and in his wisdom and mercy, He has not left us to reap what we have sown. Now, like the Israelites waited for the baby in a manger, we wait. We wait for the coming of a King who is our Savior. As you celebrate this holiday season, pray that God will prepare your heart for His coming.
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