Isaiah 53:3 KJV — He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
When looking at the beautiful manager scene, do we really ponder what his birth was like?
Do we truly understand the suffering Christ walked through while living on this planet?
Do we remember He was born to die?
Our Lord and Savior’s life was so far from what mankind would esteem and aspire to.
He was born in a barn without even the most basic furniture or comforts.
His parents weren’t the elite, nor wealthy; His earthly father was a carpenter.
He was considered a threat at birth and His life was in jeopardy from the ruling monarch.
His family was forced to live in a foreign country until the death of the king who wanted Him dead.
His childhood has only a few recorded details.
When His ministry began, He was misunderstood by most.
His miracles were attributed to Satanic powers by the religious leaders.
His words often offended those listening.
His followers expected a battle when the soldiers came, but He surrendered.
His crime was being Himself, the Son of God.
The judge proclaimed Him guiltless of any crime worthy of punishment, but ordered His flogging and execution.
He was executed in the most humiliating way, hung between two criminals, ridiculed and despised.
But death couldn’t hold Him.
The Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief rose from the dead, was seen by hundreds, and ascended into Heaven where He awaits the day to return and claim His bride.
Although, Jesus Christ is still often misunderstood and misrepresented today, scripture makes it clear He will not be when He returns.
Revelation 19:11-16NKJV — Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
This Christmas season may we each one reflect upon the person of Jesus Christ and renew our understanding of Who He is and what He has done.
For our future depends completely on how we respond to Jesus, Savior of the World.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing us Yourself in Your Word. Thank You for continuing to teach us who You are and why You came. Lord, please open our hearts and minds to the life You lived on Earth that we might better understand the life You have called us to. Lord, You know each one of us and You know where You are leading us. Please give us peace in the journey as we transverse this planet with all the suffering and grief, joy and blessings. Help us to find joy in Your salvation and anticipation of the promises You have given us for the future. Lord, please help us remember this Earth is not our permanent home. Thank You for Your gift of salvation. Thank You for Your blessings daily. Thank You for this season where we can share the hope of eternity we have in You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 