Anyone who has ever moved from one place to another has heard the inevitable questions:
"You're going where?" "Why? What are you thinking?"
It's not always easy for people to understand why someone they care about would choose to relocate. Even if they understand, it's still emotional, with feelings mixed between happiness for a new opportunity, and the grief of knowing how much the person will be missed.
Something interesting can happen on the other end as well.
If you've ever moved from one place to a smaller, less "glamorous" place, some of your new neighbors might very well express surprise that you left what in their minds is a "better" place, to come live in the town they've always called home. While they're glad you're there, and they've welcomed you like family, somewhere in the back of their minds, they're asking, "Why would you come here?"
People are funny. Our hometowns are so great no one should move away, yet at the same time, other places, bigger and better, are so wonderful no one should ever want to leave them and come to our little one-horse town. A lot of this, of course, is in our imagination. Life is life wherever you are.
"You're going where?"
"You came here?"
Two questions asked sincerely by people trying to understand another person's decision. And most of the time, the answer is perfectly understandable once it is explained, and loving people support one another throughout these decisions.
There is a story, however, in which the answers to these same questions aren't so easy to understand.
"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." -- John 1:14
Never fail to marvel at the fact that He came here. That the Creator became a part of His creation. That He entrusted Himself to the care of two first-time parents with nothing in this world. That He grew up to live a sinless life and gave Himself as the sacrifice to end all sacrifices. That the veil of the temple was torn in two so we could approach God. That He defeated death and rose from the grave. That He sent His Spirit to help us; and that He intercedes for us still. And most of all, that the story is far from over; that He's coming back again.
Who would do this? Is there any other object of faith in this world who can claim anything like this?
What sense could this have made to the angels who announced His arrival? (I Peter 1:12) Can we even claim that it makes sense to us?
Whatever else you do at Christmas time, take time to marvel at what God has done.
Marvel, but more importantly, respond.
4 comments:
That's a good word David.
Thanks....
You are right. I ask people that all the time, who come to live here in my area. Why in the world would they come here...
But as you say, Jesus left the best place in creation, and gave up everything so that we might have a way. He did it all for love - not for what was best for him, but what was best for us. Man, that's love.
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." - Matthew 1:20-21, 23
Simeon said, "For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." - Luke 2:30-32
I am blessed beyond measure for the gift of Jesus. God's love and grace for me get me through each and every day! He gives me precious gifts - and I treasure each and every one! Thank you for your post!
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" 2 Corinthians 13:14.
Excellent words David! Blessings from my family to yours this Christmas.
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