A Personal Bethlehem

 

12/25/2020

Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, a virgin shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Again, as in yesterday’s blog post, I would recommend reading the whole of Chambers’ writing for December 25, as it is very powerful. The verse above he uses from Isaiah is a prophecy of Jesus’ birth, the Messiah that the Hebrew people were waiting for. It is just one of many that can be found that pertain to Jesus.

For many people in today’s world, Jesus’ birth is either not a focus of their Christmas celebration, or not a part of it at all. With everything that gets attention during this time, it seems the world has given itself over to the secular idea of Christmas. This is very sad indeed. I will say for my family, Covid-19 – and all that has been a result of this unusual year – has refocused us on what is truly important. This includes our celebration of Christmas. We did our traditional decorating, baking, watching old movies set at Christmas time, and hanging colorful lights outside. We decided collectively, however, not to exchange gifts with one another (although my two sisters sent us something for under the tree), and instead focus on the meaning of Christmas and spending time together. I must admit, having always been blessed with an abundance at this time of year, I was a little worried about how it would actually feel when the day arrived. I can say with all honesty and joy, however, that this Christmas was the most emotionally and spiritually profound one I have ever had. Our family read John 3:1-21 together, which was a perfect passage for the true gift of what we actually celebrate today. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Chambers writes, “Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He is a Being Who cannot be accounted for by the human race at all. He is not man becoming God, but God incarnate” The King of Kings, who was born in the most humble of places, had come, and it was only the beginning. Just as Jesus came into the world, so it is that He can come into my life in a personal, profound, and transformative way. Chambers asks, “Have I allowed my life to become a ‘Bethlehem’ for the Son of God?” Do I have room in my life for Him? Yielding to Him alone is the only path to redemption, mercy, grace, and peace. He is the only way to spiritual rebirth.

Merry Christmas, dear reader. May God bless you richly in faith, hope, and love.