PONDER IN YOUR HEART CHRISTMAS
An old shepherd gruffly sends his hard-headed, young son
into the fields to help tend sheep. “No
need for you to study … just go to work …”
Years apart from town and teaching,
he grew into the form of the rough crowd around him. Then, unexpectedly, there it was! The heavens were aglow with the angelic choir
announcing the Birth. With the other men
tending the herds, he went to the stables, and he murmured, “… what is this
that I behold?! I am but a shepherd,
standing between the sheep and danger or starvation… I do not understand the wonderful sight?!”
In the East, far away, apart from “election” and without “revelation”
or “covenant”, a young heart looks to the heavens, wondering at the order and
the expanse. Futility and frustration are
the results of much of his pondering. Ancient
texts from many places are examined. But,
one night, a new Star appears in the night’s sky; and, he follows this light to
its westward pointing, to the Light. “… I’ve
read, ‘king of the Jews’?? … What awaits us there?!”
On the face of Elizabeth was a twinge of pain as the baby within
kicked her, hearing the greeting of His mother, Mary. He knew what so many others would miss?! Zechariah and Elizabeth would watch the child
of their old age become a recluse and wanderer – angry and awe-filled, by the shame
of man and the glory of Heaven. His
favorite word, it would seem, would become “Repent!” Simple and sanctified was his life. He prepared His way, and then stepped aside,
pointing all to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” Alone in prison, John questioned, “… are you
the One…?”
The scribes and lawyers missed Him?! Old Simeon and Anna were rewarded and found
the desire of their hearts. The
slaughtered innocents never saw it coming.
Their death insured His escape. (surely,
they hold a special place among the martyrs?!)
Bethlehem knew not who it was that was forsaken to the stables of the Inn. A long since forgotten Roman census
overshadowed the Event of the ages. “Father,
have mercy … we know not …”
“… she pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51) is the summary of the burden of Mary. The angelic announcement … a virgin, with
child, heaven engendered … miracle … Messiah … my firstborn, man child …
God-Man … Lamb of God …
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you
have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
(John 20:29) … Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24)
No comments:
Post a Comment