Christmas time is a reminder not only of Hope and God’s faithfulness to come as a man and save us from sin and death. But of our promise of a relationship with Christ and the lifelong journey he will go on with us.
This Christmas, as I reflect on the power of what Jesus has done through his life, death, and resurrection. I cannot help but think of how the story of Jesus parallels our own story with him today as Christ.
The story begins with hope as the backstory—a long-foretold promise of the Messiah who would come to save the world. Then the tale unfolds with a star as a guiding light. Then, a sign in the heavens captivates the interest of the three wise men so that they take the best they have to offer on a quest to find out more.
For some of us, that is where we begin – I know I did. I saw the star; I knew there was something more. I did not know what it was, and I did not know how to find it. But I kept looking, following the glimpses of light. Knowing that whatever this was, it would be worth the search.
So many are like the three wise men. We search for answers, for a spark of hope, for the truth that seems so high above us and intangible. It was miraculous; this star only came for a short time and moved, guiding the wise men on their journey. Not failing, not budging, but leading them through the night.
Some journeys start this way with God. First, we look above, knowing there is something more. Meanwhile, the light of God’s goodness guides us like the star until we come to find what we are looking for; God. But instead of finding an intimidating powerful being, we are introduced to him as a baby in a manger.
The wise men find Jesus in a humble stable, or perhaps a house as some say he was older when they came to him. In any case, they find a child. And for those new to Jesus, or who grew up attending church, this is how we might first see him. We hear the tales of the Christmas story, and in our new relationship, he is timid, small, and almost helpless. We might feel distant or find it hard to communicate because of the natural limits between adults and toddlers.
But as we grow in our relationship with Christ, it is almost like Jesus grows with us. We begin to see his humanity, his love, his character. The shape of who he is becomes more tangible, and we can more easily relate to him as an individual. As we pray, read scripture, and learn with God, we might be surprised to find that he grows bigger and stronger. He could begin to have conversations with us, and the words and information he shares might seem wiser and easier to understand.
The more we press into our relationship with him, the more mature he can become in our eyes. He is now a strong man, teaching us in so many ways. We may find a new sense of respect for him and awe as he shares deeply with us. We may find he is strong enough to carry us through the difficult times in our lives and powerful enough to take down any foes, enemy lies, or distractions.
As our relationship with Jesus grows, the cross itself may become more personal. We may find ourselves in the garden with Jesus, and as he weeps, we weep too. We may find that a strong friendship has grown, and as we see him whipped and beaten, our hearts also feel whipped and beaten. As Jesus takes up the cross to his crucifixion, we too may take up the cross with him and let our sin die on the cross with him. Letting go of all our pain as we give our lives for Jesus.
Then that day, three days later, when the stone is rolled away from the tomb, it is like our journey of redemption. No longer is there a stone across our hearts, but freedom from sin and death. You cannot find us because we are a new creation, just as Christ was not found in the tomb but now is freely reigning in our hearts. As Christ is risen to sit at the right hand of God the Father, we too are seated in heavenly places with our King.
And though it seems like he’s growing in our journey, it’s the self, us, who grow with him. He chose not to come to us as King but as a humble child in his infinite kindness and wisdom. One who is innocent, meek, and helpless, knowing that is what we need; a relationship. Yet, he is willing to walk with us on our journey, approaching us as he knows best in meekness and humility.
This Christmas, I pray he comes to you exactly as you need him. I especially pray for those “Wisemen” who are searching, trying to follow the bright star to Bethlehem. May their way be smooth, and may they come quickly to find that which they seek. The Christ, the truth, the Redeemer. The only one who can be everything that we need. Amen.
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