12/19/2008
John 1:1 - 5
(HCSB)
1 In
the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in
the beginning.
3 All things were
created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.
4 Life was in Him,
and that life was the light of men.
5 That light shines
in the darkness,
yet the darkness did not overcome it.
===
Charlie Brown’s humble efforts at finding a Christmas tree have turned out less spectacular than hoped. The other kids stood around and ridiculed Charlie for his failure. Then Linus steps forward to remind them all of the true meaning of Christmas. He continues to recite Luke chapter 2. This is one of the most popular of Christmas passages telling us of the advent of our Lord in the form of a baby. John chapter 1 is my favorite account of God’s advent to man.
Can you imagine the scene in heaven? The angels are whispering, all of heaven is abuzz. Finally, one of them steps up to the throne of Grace and asks: “Lord, Most Holy, may I make a request?”
“What is your request?” a voice echoes across the ages
“Lord, I know that we were not supposed to declare Your Son to the entire world on this night. But, well… the thing is, we can’t contain ourselves.” He stands nervously and stutters “Do you suppose it would be possible if we just tell a few people. I mean, this is such a wonderful event that we are busting at the seams to do something.”
The voice from the throne responds “There are some shepherds outside of Bethlehem. You may tell them.”
The angels burst into glee as they rush to announce the coming our Lord.
Just imagine the joy in heaven.
Now imagine our complacence. Consider your frustration with holiday traffic and shopping. Consider your rush as you attempt to mail all your Christmas cards in time. Consider how you fret over recipes: “Do I have enough pecans for the pies I have to make? Is this ham big enough to feed all my relatives?” How many times have you wished the season would just be over so you could get back to normal?
My, how we have forgotten what the angels could not wait to tell.
John 1:14 (HCSB)
14 The Word became
flesh
and took up residence among us.
We observed His glory,
the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
Our God has come to us, and we are more concerned with traffic, presents, mail, cooking, parties, and on and on. Now ask yourself, which of these is more important than the fact that God came to us? Can we observe His glory and then still be hung up with our petty issues? Can we truly know what happened and remain frustrated?
Stop. Literally, stop. Immerse yourself in the idea that your God has come to you. Think about what that means to you. Take several minutes. Don’t be too quick to leave this thought. Let it soak in. Let this thought become real to you – more than just an idea or historical event. Your God has come to you!
Hold on to that thought as you continue with your day and throughout this season.
I’ll be taking a week off from the devotionals. I would encourage you to dwell on this one throughout the holiday season. You should new devotionals resume around the New Year.
I wish you blessings as you observe the coming of God to man.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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