“King Herod heard Jesus was born, and was disturbed” Matt.2:3
Lord Jesus, many of us will merge into this day over-stuffed, under-slept, quite-spent, but mostly grateful. Whether our Christmas gatherings have been sweet and easy, or twinged with a bit of sadness and tension, we acknowledge you to be the “God from whom all blessings flow.”
And when it comes to doling out blessings, Jesus you do so perfectly. For you know the difference between our needs and pleas—between our short-sighted druthers and your “long-game” wisdom. You didn’t come because we needed a personal valet, party concierge, or on-call masseur. Our greatest need is for a Savior, overflowing with grace and truth. And, hallelujah, that is you, Jesus.
You understand messiness and brokenness—even your birthing experience underscores this. When you were one day-old, a “5-star” inn didn’t open up for your family—with hot tubs, great post-natal care, and a round-the-clock chef. Before long, your family would have to leave town for Egypt, because evil (Herod) was determined to eliminate you early—a chapter in your story the prophets saw from afar (Matt.2:13-18).
But with your arrival into our world, everything changed. The promised Messianic reversal and reign showed up right on time (Gal.4:4-7)—but in swaddling clothes needing to be nursed. Death began working backwards. Demons realized their days were numbered. The status quo would soon get the ole “heave-ho”—for yours is the only unshakable kingdom. Storms, disease, oppression, captivities, war, enmity, harming, meanness all got a “pre-pink” notice.
When you enter our “storms” now, we have peace even before the storm is over, because the hurricane will soon be a gentle zephyr. Even in the places where “death” visits things and people we love, the aroma of resurrection is growing stronger than the smell of death. Jesus, give us patience, perspective, and hope as we wait, and a lot of neighbor love. So Very Amen.