Week 5 | What Child Is This?
Lisa Scheffler and Shelley Frew, author
Descent
Down he came from up,
and in from out,
and here from there.
A long leap,
an incandescent fall
from magnificent
to naked, frail, small,
through space,
between stars,
into our chill night air,
shrunk, in infant grace,
to our damp, cramped
earthy place
among all
the shivering sheep.
And now, after all,
there he lies,
fast asleep.
By Luci Shaw, 2006[1]
When is the last time you felt genuine awe in an ordinary day? What makes you stop and stare? The rustling leaves of fall with all their colorful hues or lightning spreading like a web across the sky? A sunset after the rain or the full moon rising? The sight of a newborn baby? A beautiful song that resonates in your chest and crescendos until it fills the room?
If we are paying attention, God embeds his splendor into our lives, and gives us the opportunity to turn our hearts towards him in gratitude and wonder.
You’d think that during “the most wonderful time of the year” we’d be more aware of God’s majesty. But, our society can encourage frenetic lives, especially at this time of year. In a year that’s been full of stressors, all the chaos and uncertainty can strain our souls. As much as we believe that Jesus is the reason for the season, we can easily get swept down a river of busyness and anxiety that leaves little room to experience the true joy of Christmas. So, this week, as you count down to Christmas Day, leave yourself some time to mull over the radical gift of grace found in Jesus and spend time with the Savior and Light of the world.
Slow down, take some quiet moments all to yourself, and allow the reality of Jesus’ birth to fill you with awe and wonder.
[1] Luci Shaw, Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2006).
Day 1 | Christ Is Born!
During this Advent season, we’ve witnessed messages from angels, followed the shepherds to the manger and journeyed with Magi who came from afar. Now it’s time to focus on Jesus’ arrival. This week, we’ll read through the story of his birth as Luke’s Gospel describes it and also consider the coming of Christ as it is depicted by the Gospel of John. One will give us a factual account of the night Jesus was born, while the other considers the mind-blowing implications of the incarnation.
Today let’s begin with the simple, but amazing story of a young, pregnant mother, her betrothed, and the child who was ready to be born.
Read
Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Of all the Gospel writers, Luke includes more historical references in his account of Jesus’ life. It’s as if he wants to locate the supernatural in-breaking of God in a time and place his readers can understand. Luke tells us who the emperor and governor were when Jesus was born and what decree sent the young couple to Bethlehem. Of course, we know from our study of the Magi’s story that it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and God used human rulers to make it so. While humanity might believe itself in charge of its destiny, God is the one who is in control. He sent a star to guide the Magi and orchestrated a census to ensure that Jesus would be born in the city of David.
Somewhere a practical woman is reading this and wondering why, if God could orchestrate a census, he couldn’t reserve a room for poor Mary. But that was not his plan. God allowed his son to be born in a place usually reserved for animals. He communicated more strongly than words ever could that he was coming for all people.
During his time on earth Jesus demonstrated an unimaginable humility that both began with and was reflected in his birth. Jesus grew up alongside ordinary people. In his ministry, he walked miles of dusty roads, slept outside, or in homes where he was welcomed. The Creator of the universe owned nothing during his time on earth. One would expect a deity to demand to be served. Not Jesus. He would later tell his disciples, that he “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Apostle Paul explains the beauty and mystery of Jesus’ incarnation and insists that, as his followers, we imitate Jesus.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
(Philippians 2:5–8)
Reflect on the words of Scripture we’ve read today until you can feel at least a hint of real astonishment. Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, eternal God, and Lord of all came into this world as a helpless baby born in the humblest of circumstances, so he could live and walk among us. He made himself nothing, took on the nature of a servant, and died on a cross so that he could rescue you and me.
What kind of love does it take to be willing to do what Jesus has done? Can you imagine it?
He has that kind of love for you.
Meditate on that truth today, and praise God for all that he has done, is doing, and will do for you through Jesus. Then consider what Paul demands of us: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ.” We are called to humble ourselves and serve others. It’s one way we can demonstrate our love for the One who saved us.
Spend some time in prayer and praise God for the miracle of the incarnation. Rest in his vast love for you.
How can you serve others this Christmas and demonstrate to them the love and humility of the Lord, who chose to be born in a stable and laid in a manger? Can you help a family member? Neighbor? Co-worker?