“For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 NAS
One of the hallmarks of the Christmas season is the wonderful music. In churches and even in the stores as a back drop to frantic shopping, we sing about Christmas because it is a time of rejoicing. Even those who do not fully believe find it a special time and hum along. We were never more surprised than to see the Buddhist nation of Thailand fully embrace Christmas, arms wide open, with malls filled with trees and elves, and ‘Joy to the World’ playing in the background.
The music of Christmas for much of the world has been the backdrop to a season of longing; longing to push past all the bad news that surrounds us day in and day out. World troubles and family troubles…all fade as this special season settles in and we begin to enjoy the most important things: Family. Faith. Love. Peace. Hope.
Hope! Yes, but hope in what? I would put it to you that Christmas is a time of rescue. It is our remembrance of a time, when a very great God looked down with mercy upon the earth and said. “It is time…” Jesus was sent to us, not as a mere child, but as a RANSOM and a REDEEMER. He came to seek and save that which was lost. Us. We were lost, but now, we are found, in Him. Saved. Safe. Loved.
“O come, O come, Emanuel, and ransom captive Israel…”
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come…let Earth receive her King…”
And this verse, buried deep inside ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem.’:
“How silently how silently, the wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in…”
Where meek souls will receive Him still…the dear Christ enters in. Here is the eternal truth behind this season of love and wonder, children and gifts, dreams and hopes. All that is true is that God, the Father of All, sent His only begotten and beloved Son. He sent Him not into a palace filled with servants, but rather as an indigent. A nomad. Soon in His infancy to know what it is to flee for His life as a refugee.
“Love came down and rescued me, Love came down and set me free…I am Yours. I am forever Yours…”
“You didn’t want heaven without us. So, Jesus You brought heaven down…what a beautiful Name it is…”
I pray that this season our souls will be meek, so that we can receive Him fully, and allow that marvelous gift of His love and salvation to find a real home in our hearts. Bless you, one and all, for this blessed season. Christ is Alive and ever lives to be our Ransom and our Rescuer.
~ Debbie Ecker
