When Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, many missed
it. They had a preconceived notion about the Messiah of Israel and when He did
not fit the mold, they dismissed Him. There were some though, who understood.
Mary and Joseph understood because of their obedience to God’s plan. The
shepherds got it because they humbled themselves and welcomed/accepted God’s angel
messengers and their message. The pagan wise men recognized Jesus because they
were seeking the truth. Even cruel, devious King Herod realized
who Jesus was. That’s why he tried to kill Him. None of them may have truly
comprehended all of Jesus’s personhood, but they did not try to limit God’s
work by their limited understanding.
Sometimes we miss God’s answers to our prayers because of
the packaging in which they arrive. Jesus came as a peasant baby, born in a
dirty, smelly animal stable. Though they claimed royal lineage, his parents
were poor and lived in an unimportant, backwater town. Despite these facts, His
birth was predicted by dozens of prophets, attended by a new star, and heralded
by a choir of angels.
Oftentimes, God still shows up in ways and through means
we do not expect and so we miss Him. This Christmas when you shake the shiny,
colorful packages under the tree, don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears open
to the true gifts God wants to give you this season.
“Follow the star to a place unexpected...would you
believe after all we projected, a child in a manger...”
--"How Many Kings?" by Downhere
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