December 25, 2011 Christmas Day, the remembrance of the Savior’s entrance into the world clothed in human flesh.
As I look at my little grandson standing here beside the couch and see his weakness, his vulnerability, his need for help and protection, I think of you, Lord Jesus. You were willing to come in this ultimate form of weakness, into a dangerous, sin-warped world, to put yourself into the hands of faulty, selfish and sinful parents, who might not obey what the Father commanded. You were willing to be weak so that, in you, we might be strong.
And you, Heavenly Father, were willing to send Jesus into such a situation, to be attacked, chased from Bethlehem to Egypt and to Nazareth. He lived in the midst of disease, danger and distress, surrounded by the dreadful effects of sin in the lives of all those he met. Yet you were willing to send Him.
Praise you, Holy Spirit for accompanying Him, guiding the human Jesus with your divine wisdom, empowering Him at the right moments for suffering, healing many and a dreadful death.
We praise you that Christmas is also the ultimate in demonstrating your faithfulness, O Lord God, as you fulfilled your promises, made first in the garden of a coming Savior; you had already made all the plans and preparations and were ready to go.
Then over the thousands of years you carried through, working through the seed of Adam, the descendants of Abraham and the line of David, bringing together Joseph and Mary at the right time. Praise you, O Lord, for your wonderful, powerful, trustable and gracious faithfulness.
Praise you that in sending Jesus, you opened the way for a cascade of gifts to be poured into the undeserving lives of your rebellious, twisted, ugly creatures. the ones whom you knew would believe that Jesus is the Christ.
The first gifts are, becoming your beloved children, being in your family, being indwelled with the Holy Spirit and led by our Great Shepherd. Through these we have eternal life with you, we are equipped with the full armor to stand against the world, the flesh and the devil, working in a partnership with you.
You also give meaning and direction, guidance and greatness. You give peace, patience, protection and power. You provide growth, insight, wisdom and joy.
Being in the Lord Jesus we lack nothing–we have an abundance of goodness flowing from the glorious riches of your Kingdom. Praise be to you, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, for your wonderful, rich provision and presence.
I give you glory and honor and praise for the length, the breadth, the height and depth of your great and enduring love, demonstrated so clearly on Christmas day
