The Paradox of Christmas

 

           The Bible tells us that Mary pondered the things she was told about Jesus (Luke 2:19) may we do the same. I am struck over and again by the fact that Christianity is a religion of paradoxes, this is seen no clearer than when we look at the Christmas story. Ponder with me all the mystery and glory of that day that changed the world, the day God became flesh and dwelt among men. 

           The very idea that the infinite God of the universe would humble himself and become a man is unthinkable, but true. He, whose power knows no end, came as an infant. For generations many were looking for his coming, but few recognized it.

            Mary was poor, young, and without power, but God chose her to bear his Son. He was not born into nobility, but to peasants. He was not born in a palace, but in a barn. Though he is the most important person to ever live, he was not noticed by most.

He created the world (John 1:1), but there was no room for him in that world in the night he took flesh. He left the spender and throne of heaven to lie in a manger. He, as the Son of God, was clothed with eternity, yet as a babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

            Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords; however he said he did not come to be served, but to serve. It was foretold that the Messiah would come and rule, but he established his Kingdom through the cross. Through his death, he brought us life. Though he was completely innocent he took our punishment.

            God had foretold many years before that Jesus was coming. Revelation 13:8 says he was slain before the creation of the world. God knew what must be done to save us before he even created us, ponder that for a time. In the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15) God foretold his coming. The promise is echoed through Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Naomi, David, Isaiah, and many others. When he finally came it was the shepherds who first heard the news. Salvation has come, and it has come in the form of an infant. That is a powerful paradox, and more than that, it is a miracle.  So let us ponder this paradox of greatness through humility this Christmas season.