Today, I heard on a political talk show a discussion that brushed against eternity. The host was astonishingly making the point that this life is not all there is, as we shall live forever, in an attempt to minimize our angst over aging and dying. The program director interjected, “Yes, yes, baby Jesus I believe just like everyone believes in baby Jesus, but”…I don’t know what else was said, as my heart and mind resounded, “NO!”
No! Just No. My Jesus is not a baby. He has existed from eternity past, unfathomable billions of years, and shall live and reign forever more. His existence as a man – and specifically as an infant – was but a blip on an infinite timeline of glorious life. The Christmas celebrations of our nation prove that by, and large, we have forgotten who our Jesus is, but let that never be said of us.
My Jesus today, not only isn’t a baby, but He also isn’t just a nice man who preached lovely sermons and did a few miracles for the poor. He is not just a man falsely accused, poorly treated, and ultimately hung on a cross. That isn’t my Jesus. And my mind began to run to all the scriptures that speak Truth to Who my Jesus is, starting with our current series; He is Wonderful Counsel, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and end. (Rev. 21:1-8) He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. (Rev. 19:16) And as scripture declares of Jesus “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Hebrew 1:8 I ran out of verses quickly, because I have a terrible memory, but graciously I recalled the Christmas Song, “Mary did you know?”
Read and reflect on the following stanzas… and pray on them. Pray with me that our small, mortal Jesus, would be crowded out by a sight of our Messiah, and that Jesus would stand powerfully and radiantly in our hearts and lives as in befitting the King of Glory.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of GOD.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM.
Oh, Mary did you know? And reader, do you know? Do I? Do I live like I do?
Do you know who it is that was born and died for you? Do you know who it is that lives inside of you? This is the reason for the season. It is not just a time for presents and family, nor just a time to decorate trees or view lovely lights.
No, it should be a time of humble pondering that this baby, this Jesus, is Immanuel. He is God with us, and if we humbly, in awe and admiration of our great King repent and receive this Jesus, He is God in us.