MESSAGES OF FAITH: God among us
By PEGGY MORACHE contributing columnist
There is comfort in knowing what to expect and most days are accommodating by being routine and predictable. Sometimes, in only a heartbeat, an ordinary day changes to extraordinary filled with something so momentous it brands our hearts and our memories forever.
The shepherds expected an ordinary night shift at work. Another night of watching their flock, keeping away predators, and untangling poor, addled sheep from the brush. An unremarkable, humdrum night while the rest of the world slept.
But something spectacular happened. The shepherds watched the typical starry sky change into indescribable splendor with angels proclaiming the glory of God. If that were not enough, the angels spoke saying, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10)
Just that quickly, the shepherds rose from the lowest in their culture to being the first to receive the notice of Christ’s arrival on earth. A teenage peasant girl had given birth to the King of Kings in a stable filled with smelly animals and straw. She wrapped Him in rags as the shepherds received a message of hope that was meant for all of us. A humble beginning for a God who honors humility.
As I think of Mary holding her newborn, I am reminded of the song “Mary Did You Know?” I wonder if she looked in awe at the small child in her arms. Did she know that “when she kissed Him, she was kissing the face of God?”
For thirty-three years, He walked among us as God concealed in human flesh. He felt everything we have ever felt. He received love and gave it in return. He was discouraged, weary, hungry and betrayed by a friend. He went to great pains to be as human as you and me. He didn’t need to study, but still went to the synagogue. The Creator who called wood into being learned to be a carpenter. He walked ninety miles to attend a wedding. He wanted to be one of us, to know us, so that we would trust Him.
During His time on earth, Jesus gave us a life to imitate. A path to a relationship with Him. His character was flawless. He never lied and always forgave. His touched wounds when others turned away. He is the ultimate model for each of us.
I have read that “Christianity, in its purest form, is seeing Jesus; Christian service is nothing more than imitating Him.” God’s goal for us is to think and act like Jesus by changing our hearts. Taking Jesus’ examples and applying them to our lives. Using His priorities to guide our actions, His love to direct our behavior.
Jesus showed us the spiritual disciplines that bring us into relationship with Him. The New Testament is filled with encouragement and lessons to direct us. Disciplines that bring us to the Truth that is His voice and give us ways to hear Him speak. Jesus was content to live a simple life, His heart was purposeful and peaceful, and His thoughts were spiritual. He spent time alone in silence to pray. He read and meditated on Scripture. He showed us how to have a life with meaning. A life worthy of imitation. That is the heart of Christ’s ministry and of our responsibility as followers of Jesus. Live like He lived.
If we were physically ill, we would see a doctor and follow the advice to be well again. If we truly want a heart like Jesus, we will take the prescriptive advice that is available to us. Adopt daily spiritual disciplines to receive a daily lesson from God and then apply it. Learning and understanding happen one lesson at a time over a lifetime.
One day at a time, one change at a time, until we are spiritually healthy and whole.
