2 Corinthians 5:19-20. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God”.
Centuries ago God was localized. God became flesh and bone, blood and water. No longer an abstract Spirit floating around somewhere out there in the universe, God was localized and visualized in one person – a man child. In that event of God becoming flesh we human persons begin to see what God is like.
God is like a shepherd who loses a sheep, but rather than forgetting the one and focusing on the ninety-nine He still had, the shepherd valued the one enough to go on a long, lonely search. And when he found that scared, scrawny sheep, He called and comforted it. He is like a woman who does not have many coins – only ten -and when she loses one she sweeps the entire house until her prize is found. He is like a farmer who has two sons, each of whom is lost – one because of arrogance and one because of irresponsibility. Yet the father deals with each independently, personally, gracefully, and lovingly to bring about reconciliation. God has become localized and visualized, and we can see who He is and what He is.
God showed Himself to be on man’s side. God ministers through nearness and warmth, closeness and comfort, touching and holding. His name, Immanuel, God with us. He would go through life with us – knowing our concerns and interests, our pains and problems, our trials and tribulations.
Further, He showed Himself as God over us – the one who addresses man and demands obedience. He is King. Yes, it is Good news that Jesus came, that God was localized and visualized.
As we have journeyed to Christmas this advent season, we have heard many sounds – the good news that God is for us, that He is with us, and He is in us, and He is over us.
May this be your best Christmas ever. “You matter to me”.
Much Love,
Because He Is – I Am
Presider
