Mike
Scriptures:
Micah 5-2 Matthew 2:1-12 Luke 1: 26-38 Luke 2:1-7
This is the time of the year when we enter into the nativity of our Lord and Saviour, the story of the Everlasting Father from beyond the beginning who made a portion of Himself visible by appearing in human flesh.
The WORD, the self-existent ONE from everlasting chose to reveal Himself in the form of human flesh, looked out upon us through the Eyes of Jesus Christ.
He is the far-travelled Light of the world. The creator of the universe Who voluntarily left His throne and made a portion of Himself visible, and, in doing so, created the greatest chasm that humanity could ever cross. From Infinite Majesty to death on a Roman cross, that we might be ransomed from death.
It was the prophet Micah who prophesied where he would be born.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The Everlasting Father was born into human flesh as the baby Jesus. Conceived by the Holy Ghost to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. There was no great fanfare that announced His coming, it seems when you read the Bible that most people weren’t prepared for it. Herod certainly wasn’t, nor were the scribes, even though they knew where he was to be born. The rich and powerful of Bethlehem don’t seem to have paid any attention to the young couple from Nazareth. The rulers of the world didn’t know He was born.
By the standards of the world, His birth was only a slight blip on the radar of history, a lowly child born to lowly parents. In Rome they paid no attention to the birth; in Athens and Alexandria no one took note.
It’s an interesting question. If Jesus were born today, would it be any different than it was 2,000 years ago? We like to think the answer is yes, that we would be ready, that we wouldn’t make the mistake of turning the Son of God away. There would be room in our inn, we would find or make room, or maybe we’d throw somebody out of their room, but in any case, we’d be ready if Jesus were born in home town.
But is that the truth? Are we any more prepared for the coming of Christ than they were in Bethlehem? That really is the crucial question.
It’s a massive concept to grasp, this child was not one among many. This was the Everlasting Father from beyond the beginning in human form, we were not able to cross the divide to His glory, so He came to our griefs and sorrows and ransomed us from the curse of death.
Wise men came from the east to honour the King of the Jews in a way that fitted their nationality. They stood as representatives of the non-Jewish nations, with their actions pre-empting the offer of grace to all peoples of the earth. Their gifts heralding the coming of Gentile nations to the new covenant. A new era in Israel’s history signified by Peter’s vision of the sheet; the stoning of Steven heralding the end of the 490 years determined upon the old nation.
We need to remember that these gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were given by foreign dignitaries. Just as diplomats from other countries bring gifts representing their cultures, these wise men brought the products specific to their culture, to honour Our King.
When specifically taken as gifts for a new-born king, the treasures that the wise men brought might appear inappropriate, especially the frankincense and myrrh.
But these gifts were specifically intended to pay homage to Jesus’ royalty, deity, and His humanity. One thing that is certain, these gifts were significant and intended to show great honour to Our Lord and Saviour.
Today, no historian would ever argue that Jesus didn’t exist, there is simply too much evidence. Universities and institutions have been founded for His cause. Countless people have given their lives in devotion to the man that claimed to be God. Travelling the world, will you come across anyone who has not heard of Him?
Yet, will you be ready when He returns to collect His Bride?
Prayer: Father God, grant us the grace to heed Your Word, to look at the Messiah in awe and reverence, always remembering just Who You are. Amen