During the Christmas season we think about Jesus coming as a baby. There is wonder here. There is a miracle. Yet, do we sometimes we get stuck in Bethlehem and the manger? He was born for a purpose. He was born not to simply be adored. He came to save. Let us never forget it.
Luke 1:49-50 49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name. 50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.”
I think about Mary… When she found out that she was pregnant, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. What was on her mind? We aren’t told if she asked her cousin about baby stuff or being a mother for the first time. What we are told is their opening exchange. It isn’t just softness and light. They are focused on God, His goodness, and His power. Mary’s long statement is called, “The Magnificat” in m
any Bibles. It is a statement of praise regarding the work of God. Mary is focused on the good
ness and power of God. She declares that God is doing amazing things both for her and for all who would come to God.
Oh how I wish that Christmas for me could be about both. I don’t want to miss the wonder that comes when we think of the God of the universe becoming a little baby. At the same time, I don’t want to forget that even from a little baby our Jesus came with a purpose. He came to save.
What about you? How do you keep the balance between the manger and the cross? Is there something special you do?
Something to think about,
Pastor John
Calvary Baptist Church - 