Matthew 1:18 – 23 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us.'”
I really can’t think of words worthy of this post. Honestly, there are no words to describe what happened on that dark night, so many centuries ago, when a young girl gave birth to a Son who would save us all.
But just for fun, let’s try to imagine the conversation that took place at some point in time, before that moment. There they were – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – watching all of us make grand messes of our lives.
Father: Look at them. Why can’t they just listen to me? They want joy, and peace, and love. I told them how to have those things, but they won’t listen to me. They insist on doing things their way.
Son: I know, Dad. I think one of us may need to go down there, and show them the right way to live.
Father: That’s been the plan from the beginning, Son. But you do know what that will mean, don’t you?
Son: (Long pause.) Yes, Dad, I know. I’m the One who has to go. And they won’t even believe I am who I am.
Father: Son, they will reject you. They will laugh at you, and call you names. They will beat you, and mock you, and kill you in the most brutal of deaths imaginable. Are you sure you want to do this?
Son: (Another long pause.) What will happen if I don’t go?
(Silence.)
Father: You know what will happen, Son. The wages of sin is death. If someone doesn’t pay the wages for them, they’ll have to pay it for themselves.
(More silence.)
Son: We can’t let that happen. I’ll do it.
Holy Spirit: Me too. You’ll have to go first. Then when you come back here, I’ll go.
Father: You know, no matter what we do, some of them will still refuse to listen to us.
Son: Yes, but some of them will be saved. And that will make it all worth it.
So, the decision was made.
God – Alpha, Omega, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, Creator, Provider, Redeemer, His Majesty, Lord of heaven and earth . . .
With – In company of, together, involving, in favor of, concerning. in support of, among, in the midst of, amid, including
Us.
Dear Father, Thank You for caring so much about us. You could have just given us what we deserved, and let us suffer the consequences of our own sin. But instead, You paid the price that we couldn’t pay for ourselves. Thank You.
Amen
For a second cup, see: Luke 1:35; Deuteronomy 24:1; Luke 1:31; Luke 2:11; Acts 13:23, 28; Isaiah 7:14
Halelujah! What a Savior.
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
Amen, Jean!
Amazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing Post!
Glad you liked it , Mom!
I’m with Mom!!
Dear Renae,
the enigmatic gift to all mankind.
Sometimes, often really, to big to understand.
I just have to grip it.
HE saved a soul like me, and what’s more, He has not thrown me out after all those years with stumbling and falling.
Grace over grace.
Thanks, Renae, for once more reminding me.
From Felisol
Jackie, I’m glad you two are in agreement. But if you’re going to sit together, you have to behave yourselves. 😉
Thanks, my friend!
Hi Felisol! I think it’s good to be reminded, from time to time, just how extravagant His love is for us. I agree with you – I’m so glad He hasn’t given up on me!
I can’t think of words worthy of this post either… it is amazing and something I will never be able to understand, like Felisol said.
Isn’t it great that we don’t have to understand it to accept it?