I've spent the last twenty days visiting my sister in a hospital out of town. Yesterday, when I walked into the foyer there were three huge decorated trees. Around the main tree was a big and beautiful manger scene. The three kings were dressed magnificently and carrying their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds stood gazing at the scene surrounded by their sheep and the other animals in the stable. Mary was kneeling with her hand on her heart and her head bowed low. Joseph was there too, with amazement and awe upon his face. But, the picture was not complete, as if the main character in the play was missing. There was no manger and no baby Jesus! What?
I stood in the middle of the foyer and looked again at all the figurines to make sure. Was this a public statement about religion or a purposeful exclusion of my King? Then, I was overwhelmed with the idea of...what if there had been no baby Jesus? I don't mean in the manger scene I was viewing, but in that manger over 2,000 years ago. What if redemption never came, or forgiveness was never given, or mercy and grace never extended?
I am so very excited to tell you that He did come, He does redeem, and He does give grace, mercy and forgiveness. He has not disappeared from the scene of our story from Scripture. All the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and books throughout the New Testament tell of his birth, ministry, death and His resurrection. They tell of His power to save and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Don't let Jesus Christ become the missing piece of your CHRISTmas celebration!
