It is almost Christmas!
And if you have somehow lost track of time, there are plenty of reminders that there are only a few days left.
Some greet the news with eager anticipation. Some panic. Some dread it. Some are actually relieved that this season is almost over and their lives can get back to “normal.”
Where is Jesus in the midst of all this anticipation?
Some seem to think He will make a grand entrance on Christmas, amid the joyful singing of Christmas carols.
He could, but we need to remember He always had a knack for showing up at times and in places people least expected Him.
Certainly no one expected God to quietly come to earth through a virgin (although He had announced it through His Prophets long before).
No one thought His first bed would be a feeding trough for animals.
Mary and Joseph had plans for their future. They never expected their life would include raising The Lord of The Universe.
The shepherds never expected they would receive a glorious invitation to welcome God, newly revealed in human skin.
Later, men who were having an ordinary work day fishing, never expected Jesus to drop in and totally change their life in a moment.
The woman at the well thought she understood everything there was to know about The Messiah Who would come one day. But she did not know she was already in His Presence.
Zacchaeus was just curious about this itinerant preacher who was getting so much attention. He had no idea that before the day was out, He would be having dinner at his own house with Jesus.
The teachers of the law knew the rules. They defended their traditions with a vengeance. They did not know they were in The Presence of The One Who came to transform their traditions into freedom … their vengeance into Love.
Even though His Disciples had witnessed Jesus doing many miracles, they did not expect to see Him walking toward them on the water. They thought He was a ghost.
Mary Magdalene knew Jesus well. She had heard Him foretell His Death and Resurrection. But she did not recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener.
Herod, Pilate and the men who crucified Jesus did not recognize Him. They knew His Name. But they did not know Him.
Jesus said and did many important things.
As you anticipate celebrating the day designated as Jesus’ Birthday, consider these.
Who do you say that I am?
Matthew 16:15
I am in you and you are in Me.
John 14:20
I am with you always.
Matthew 28:20
You will see Me.
John 16:16
Where do you see Jesus now?
Start by looking in the mirror. Then look around. He is everywhere, waiting for you to discover Him.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart!
Jeremiah 29:11
