As we examined the small figurines, I started to think more intently about what this classic little statue story stood for; have you ever contemplated a nativity scene? Looked it over, thought about the figurines, the people, the humanity of the event they represent?

I know there is so much more to the Christmas story than seven porcelain figures, a one-roomed stable, and some fake straw. Think about what all that little child represents…

Weak. Small. Helpless. He was fully God…and fully man. He allowed himself to be limited in his abilities, emptying himself, as Philippians 2 states, to dwell among us. He could have come by way of chariot of fire. But he didn’t. He was born – possibly one of the most humiliating entrances into the world.

The very one to whom the angels cry out "Holy, Holy, Holy!" (Isaiah 6) entered the world by way of a filthy feeding trough for cattle.

He was described in Psalm 104 as being "clothed in splendor and majesty" who "makes the clouds His chariot" yet He was covered in ripped pieces of cloth…swaddling clothes…and he had to be carried before he could even walk on his own.

The very Word of God (John 1:1) who spoke the world into existence could only cry to communicate.

Hebrews 4:15 states that we have a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. Throughout his life, those closest to Jesus hurt Him; He was misunderstood and despised by those he loved. At times, He was wounded, lonely, tired. He even had boogers, body odor, and wasn’t physically attractive (Isaiah 53).

Why? Why would He give up Heaven for thirty-plus years of poverty and rejection?

Hebrews goes on to say Christ had to be made like us in all things, so His life could be the payment for our sins on the cross. This Christmas, allow the figurines in your nativity to draw you to Christ. He understands exactly what you’re going through and can help you if you will receive the grace and mercy He offers you. Pass this hope on to those seeking it this Christmas season; don’t let the good news be a great secret!

On Sunday, we will continue with our study, "This Child Changes Everything." We will look at Isaiah 9:4-7 as we find further understanding as to who this climactic Christ was in the midst of God’s story.

I’ll see you on Sunday at 10 AM with our choir, and again at 4 PM on Christmas Eve.

You are loved,

Josh.

On Christmas Eve in 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, an intense battle was taking place between French and German soldiers. Suddenly, a French soldier jumped from the trenches, exposing himself to the enemy’s fire.

Before either side could figure out what to do, he began singing Cantique de Noel—O Holy Night in English. Each side stood frozen as he sang of the birth of the Messiah. As the last chords of his solo faded into the night, a German soldier emerged from his hideout and began to sing From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, a popular Christmas carol in Germany. Both sides apparently joined together to sing an Austrian carol, and fighting ceased for the following 24 hours.

No one is really sure if this event actually happened, but there is enough evidence to piece together a story and believe something like this did once occur. Those soldiers obviously had some differences between them, and yet they were able to lay those differences aside for one night in order to celebrate something they had in common: Christ and His birth.

How often are we more marked by our differences than by our commonalities? How often do we allow petty arguments with a friend or a family member distract us enough so we loose sight of the true significance Christmas represents.

This Christmas season, I challenge you to lay aside your quarrels and qualms and look to Christ. As you sing your favorite Christmas carols this year, choosing to live above the pain some person may have caused you and remember why Christ came to earth. Christmas is about God Himself forgot the sinful shame His people had caused and reconciling them to Himself.

Think of the risk the French soldier took when he set down his gun and stood on the top of his barricade and begin singing a song of piece. Not only did he lay down his weapon, but he put at rest his fears and anger to recall to himself, his comrades, and his enemies the true source of peace – Jesus Himself!

Be like that! Take the challenge of that man’s example to overcome your own fears and animosities so you may come close to those who have hurt you and even closer to the God who sent His son to save you!

Remember to be inviting others to join us as we start our Christmas celebration at Creekside this weekend. Pass out the invites we gave you, and bring those who need to hear the true message of Christmas. Our choir will be singing this weekend (they sound great!), so come and worship with us!

Remember to plan ahead for our Christmas Eve service at 4:00 PM.

This season, let your love be without hypocrisy; abhor what is evil and cling to what is good.

You are dearly loved,

Josh.