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Written by: Mr. Kyle Maestri
We await the arrival of Jesus. The whole creation groans in its longing. We wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. We yearn for the glory we can taste with the firstfruits of the Spirit [Romans 8:22-23].
Things are not as they should be, the world is bent.
Come quickly Lord Jesus.
This Christmas, the widow is left hungry for love. The childless couple weeps. The rich man is surrounded with his purchases that can’t give him the intimacy he so desperately longs for. The children mourn in their beds after another weekend of neglect from their cold, addicted parents.
Things are not as they should be, the world is bent.
Come quickly Lord Jesus.
That Christmas, God came to us. Immanuel, God with us. He draws near to us. He is born! Thanks be to God! Great tidings of joy! Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King!
But we didn’t and we don’t. The true light came. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him [John 1:9-11].
Things are not as they should be yet, the world is bent but...
Come quickly Lord Jesus
But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born of God [John 1:12]. Adoption comes through the Christ child. You and I are invited into the family of God through this babe. The babe in a manger grows. He grows in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man [Luke 2:52]. He lives with us. He shows us the Father [John 14:9]. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world [John 1:29]. He sacrifices. He pours out His blood satisfying justice with death. He gives us His spirit by which we cry Abba! Father![Romans 8:15]
Things are still not as they should be, the prince of this world rages on... for now...
Come again Lord Jesus
While we were yet sinners Christ died for us [Romans 5:8]. He who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God [2 Corinthians 5:21]. By faith, we were baptized into His death, and are now made alive through His resurrection [Romans 6:3-4]. We live and move and have our being in Him [Acts 17:28].
The manger leads us to the cross.
The cross is followed by the empty tomb.
He is risen and alive forevermore.
Death is defeated!
His word is spoken and His Spirit is poured out to seal us as we wait and live by faith [2 Corinthians 5:7]. We long with anticipation the the final birth, the redemption. This silent night, this holy night while we watch over our fields and flocks by night, the world is still pregnant. Waiting. Longing. In His grace. The empty tomb points us to Heaven at home with Him where we long to be.
Things are not yet as they should be...But they will be soon...
Come quickly Lord Jesus
Thank you for the hope of Christmas!