A Birth Like No Other
There is a favorite song of mine at Christmas here in Seattle, I Just Go Nuts at Christmas.
I smile every time I hear the words and they even bring back memories of Christmas past. It is however a reminder that some times we put the real purpose behind this season on the “back burner.”
God chose to become intertwined with His creation through a birth celebrated world wide. Because God became man, He knows the importance of our work, holidays, family, recreation, fears, dreams and watching our favorite football team. I find it hard to fully understand why God chose to build a personal relationship with us, but I am thankful that he did. Jesus was born with a purpose and during His ministry in his own words, gave reasons:
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
There are many more statements but in a nutshell, Jesus has brought hope. In this past year, I saw the impact of His birth in the eyes of Ethiopian prison inmates, homeless men in Bellevue, WA and countless men and women in transition who truly believe that Jesus brings light when things are dark.
May you enjoy the peace and joy promised by God because he chose to fellowship with us. May the purpose of the birth be ever more real during the coming year.
I think I will just stop “going nuts at Christmas” and revel in the miracle of a “birth like no other.” Blessings.
