December 10
Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1-2:11
Christmas season is upon us again. For my house that means all of our nativity's go up in every room. They are beautiful, but sterile, and though they place the focus on the birth of Christ, the reality of the scene is missed. That it is historically incorrect, in that the wise men did not come to the stable where Jesus was born, but arrived 1-2 years later when they were living in a house (Matthew 2:11), is trivial compared to the reality of what happened that Christmas Day. This was depicted beautifully in "Christmas with the Chosen". For Mary to find an area in the stable to give birth, Joseph had to first move some of the manure left behind by the animals. Also missing would be the flies and the smell of where Mary gave birth. Rather than a midwife to assist in the birth, Joseph was tasked with this responsibility, having no previous experience in doing so. All of this surrounding the most important birth of the most important Person ever. He was born into poverty, as depicted in the movie by Joseph by being unable to bribe the innkeepers with more money for a room. But we know this to be true based on what the young couple could afford (two turtledoves) for the purification offering (Luke 2:22-24). This Christmas season, never miss what it is that happened, you can't get any higher than being God and living in heaven. Yet, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, left that place to come as a human in the most humblest of circumstances because He loves us, and knew that our salvation could only come about through Him.
The story is so familiar, the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus that many take it for granted. But consider this reality, and read this slowly, as we read Philippians 2:5-11, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." God could have chosen any location, set of parents, and scenario to be born into. Yet, He chose a peasant girl in an unfamiliar setting in a smelly stable. No matter what you have done or what you are doing, Jesus came for you. He also allowed the most gruesome of deaths, death on the cross, from which we get the word "excruciating" or "of the cross". It wasn't even the physical torture, or the mental anguish of all the taunts from those at the scene at Calvary. It was taking all of the sins of humanity upon Himself, and thus freeing us from the bondage of sin and death.
Why did Jesus do all of this? Because He loves us and there simply was no other way. This is clearly seen in the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39-42. Jesus' love for us drove Him to this voluntary and obedient descent from the highest high to the lowest low. Yes, that is how much that He loves you. Why did it take so much? Because sin is costly. It can't be overlooked, and even one sin is too repugnant to be allowed into heaven. This is why the common misperception of being good enough to enter heaven is so shallow, misleading and dangerous. It doesn't matter who you are, what your upbringing was, or what sin, no matter how heinous, Jesus loves you and willingly died for you. He doesn't ask for much. Simply repent, or change your mind about your sins, and accept what it is that He has already accomplished for you on the cross, and freedom and salvation are yours. As you approach this time of holiday celebration, please don't miss the opportunity to look upon that nativity scene and realize what Jesus was willing to do for you and me.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: