The marvel of Christmas is “God with us.” Though this is absolutely astounding, it’s difficult to grasp the depth of it, so during church last week our pastor went back into the Old Testament, before Christ’s birth, to see what God’s presence looked like.
First he mentioned the “thick and dreadful darkness” * that came over Abraham in conjunction with God’s arrival on the scene. Then he described the pillars of fire and cloud which were God’s actual presence when he brought the Israelites out of Egypt. **
Pastor Jay also described the time when God allowed Moses to see only his backside as his presence passed by, reminding him that if he saw his face, Moses would die. *** He also read about God’s presence coming in a whirlwind much like a terrifying tornado. **** In other words, the message of God’s physical presence was that we keep our distance and acknowledge a healthy fear of him.
And then we come to Luke 2 where an angel says, “You will find him!”
That’s followed by the shepherds’ response, “Let’s go and see!”
The limited-access God of the Old Testament was announcing that everything would be different from then on. No more keeping our distance. No more dreadful darkness. No more whirlwind. No more smoke. No more fear.
In other words, no more unapproachable Divinity. Instead it was going to be, “Come and see.” Approach him. Get close. Interact. Worship. That night the presence of God became accessible in a brand new way. An unexpected invitation was extended to “Come and see that God is with us!”
And that’s the astounding truth of Christmas.
“The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…. and you will recognize him…” (Luke 2:11-12)
*Genesis 15:12 **Exodus 13:22 ***Exodus 33:20 ****Job 40:6
Praising and Praying with Mary
I’m praising God for being surrounded by my loving family, now 26 strong, and for still being able to say I’m feeling good.
Merry Christmas Margaret to you and all your family. Keeping Mary in my prayers every day,and also you and your family.
Margaret and Mary……what a gift God gives us with family and one I treasure also though my husband and dad of our children reached our Heavenly home last December 28. Praising God for the many years He allowed him in our lives. God has sprinkled His amazing Grace all over our lives this year to deal with this beloved man’s absence.
Praising God for the joy for both of you to be surrounded by such a large loving family and for Mary to be still feeling good! Indeed, God is Good.
Pat
Glad to hear that you are surrounded by loving family, Mary, and that you are feeling good. God is good!!
So happy for ALL of you, Margaret, & Mary!! Happy for you, Mary, that you were able to have your family there, and felt good enough to enjoy the festivities of this wonderful season. God bless all of you for all the days ahead in the New Year!