The angels were on the verge of a brawl. As characters in our church’s nativity scene, a multitude of small girls outfitted in white gowns and halos had assembled around the cradle. Unfortunately, some eager cherubs decided that they wanted a better look at the baby. Pushing and elbowing ensued. Finally, one little girl turned to the audience and cried, “Mommy!” just before the nativity director ushered everyone off the stage.
I found something endearing about the little angels’ collective desire to be close to the infant Christ. For them, Jesus was the main attraction—the best and most significant part of the Christmas celebration.
Shortly after Jesus entered our world, a man named Simeon recognized Jesus’ significance—even as a newborn infant. God’s Spirit led Simeon to the temple where he met Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Simeon had been “eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come” (Luke 2:25), and as he held God’s Son in his arms—imagine that incredible privilege—he exalted God, saying, “I have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations” (Luke 2:30-32).
Mary and Joseph had to pick their jaws up off the floor. Then Simeon blessed them and talked more about their infant. He said, “This child . . . will be a joy to many” and “He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him” (Luke 2:34). Simeon was describing how those who believe in Jesus will be saved, but those who will not believe will fall into condemnation.
Remembering Jesus as a baby helps us to see Him as the best gift humanity has ever known—a gift of innocence, love, and salvation (John 3:16). This year at Christmas, reflect on the news that brought “great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10). Stay close to the cradle.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Peter 1:2-21
More:
Read Matthew 2:11 to see one way in which ancient people honored Jesus’ birth. Read Isaiah 7:14 to learn about the miracle that brought God’s Son into our world.
Next:
Why do we sometimes have “no vacancy” signs plastered across our hearts during the Christmas season? How might you keep Jesus at the center of your celebration this year?
dossk on December 24, 2012 at 8:22 am
Dear Jennifer, A real joy is expressed in the Mission fields of a Mission Society [in India] ,because they remain close to the cradle. A drama is enacted in the open streets of villages and many hearts are won for Christ
bethsarkar on December 24, 2012 at 10:17 am
It’s not that Jesus came as a baby. But, Jesus isn’t a baby anymore. You see the world doesn’t see Jesus “the baby” as a threat. But, the world only identifies him as a baby not as the soon coming King and Lord of Lord’s. At Christmas time yes, it’s a great witnessing tool but, then those that seek salvation through Christmas need to know also the death and resurrection. He came as an infant in the likeness of God, Jesus will return Mighty in Power to judge the world. He will have King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s in-scribbed on His thigh and His head is crowned with many crowns and hair white as snow and His eyes are red and His mouth with the sword or truth and on a white horse. This is the Jesus that will come again. AMEN!
GChoo on December 24, 2012 at 10:56 am
Jennifer, thank you for today’s message reminding us of the main focus of Christmas – our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Wishing all ODJ writers and their families and all who visits this encouraging and God inspiring website
‘Blessed Christmas’
daisymarygoldr on December 24, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Yesterday, in the Christmas party at our friends’ place, my song request was: “What child is this”. It is good to remember Christ had no cradle for a bed. His mother Mary wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger. Luke wrote a careful account of what Jesus said about Himself “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”(Luke 9:58)
Want to keep Jesus as a baby at the center of your celebration this year? Know this, to be born as a human being, the Eternal God emptied Himself, gave up His divine privileges and became a slave. In the very act of being a helpless babe, Jesus humbled Himself to the lowest position. (Philippians 2: 6-7)
Likewise, “anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Unless we turn from our sins and become like little children, we will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18: 2-3). And this is how we can be saved.
This Christmas let us reflect on what it means to be a baby. To have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had is possible when we obey the leading of the Holy Spirit—just as Simeon did. Thanks Jennifer, for the reminder to recognize Jesus’ significance—even as a newborn infant!
Sarah C on August 11, 2013 at 2:56 am
For unto us a Child is born . And the Government shall be upon His Shoulders . And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace .