The story of Christmas is a love story. No matter which of the
lead characters in the story you look at, all were motivated and challenged by
love.
Mary was all
set to begin her life as the wife of Joseph and, no doubt, had dreams of the
way her life would unfold. Gabriel’s announcement to her that she would become
the mother of the Messiah was a shocking surprise. Quickly Mary decided to
accept the will of God for her life and all the changes it would entail. For
Mary, love complicated her life. She had to tell her parents about the
encounter with the angel and the news of the pregnancy. That was, without
doubt, an awkward conversation. Then she had to figure out a way to tell
Joseph. Imagine asking someone to believe a story that you could hardly believe
yourself! Though love was complicated, Mary said “Yes” and she learned the
invaluable lesson that love cooperates.
Joseph was
devastated when heard that Mary was pregnant. He learned in that moment that
love can create a heavy strain in a life. He hurt so bad that he could not
continue his plan to marry her, but he cared too much to harm her, so he
decided to divorce her quietly. He was torn by the strain of choosing from two
bad options, and no matter what he chose he would not find happiness! It was
after reaching this painful decision that he dreamed of an angel bringing him a
message strikingly similar to the claim of Mary. When he awoke, the strain
dissipated and his decision changed; he took Mary home as his wife and he
agreed to raise the child of God! Joseph learned that love cooperates.
God remained
on his heavenly throne as his son became flesh and dwelt among us. In sending
Jesus, the Father allowed the creator to become the creature, with all the
limitations that entails. But the Father did not personally suffer the
limitations of humanity, rather he suffered the separation of the trinity –
what had never been divided was separated. It must have been a painful experience
on either side of the divide! The father entrusted the son to a young woman and
her husband who had no previous experience in parenthood. That was a risky
venture, to say the least. God proved the truth of the meaning of love – love
gives! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son!”
Jesus
willingly left divinity behind and became a man. No one can fully understand
that statement, except Jesus. Paul tries to explain what it was like with these
words: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: Who, being
in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in
human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and
became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Thirty years after the long awaited birth of Jesus, that baby born in Bethlehem
This Christmas – and everyday – thank God for
his amazing love. And then show it to others…
-
Kenny Payne
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