Celebrating the Birth of the Savior

I'll be taking a break for the Incarnation Celebration. I'll be back after Christmas. But before I go, I want to record a few observations that have popped into my head and heart.

• God became flesh.: Extraordinary! He who created the universe, and everything in it, would confine Himself to the space of one man, in one point in time.
• Jesus appeared as a baby.: Innocent, helpless and vulnerable. He could have come as a full grown general with all the armies of heaven behind him, but he didn't.
• Jesus grew up in a family.: We don't know much about Joseph, Mary or his brothers and sisters. They were as common to history and experience as you and I and our families.
• His coming was for an express purpose.: Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for your sins and mine. He satisfied the demands of God for perfect righteousness.
• Christmas is observed to commemorate the first step of redemption's reality in history.: It all started in a manger, takes a decided turn at the cross and explodes in power at the resurrection.
• His offer of grace is free, but it cost him everything.: You and I can receive this gift for free, but it will cost us our lives in service, obedience and submission to His lordship.

May this Christmas reveal to you your place in God's redemptive plan.

Merry Christmas from the Jawbone. See you on Tuesday, or thereabouts.