Pastor Chuck’s 2014 Christmas Countdown Blog #4 – I love that Jesus left the glories of heaven to be born in a lowly manger! The meaning and message of Christmas can be summed up in one statement: “THE SON OF GOD BECAME THE SON OF MAN THAT THE SONS OF MEN MIGHT BECOME THE SONS OF GOD.”
I don’t think anyone of us can realize how far Jesus stepped down when He came to earth. When Jesus entered the world, he modeled a different perspective on things. In coming and dying for our sins, He in essence said, “The way UP is DOWN – the way to life and fulfillment and joy is not to look out for yourself and your own needs but to give yourself away for others. AND THAT IS WHAT THE COMING OF CHRIST IS ALL ABOUT. Paul describes the coming of Christ in this way: Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 – NLV)
As you consider that coming of Christ at Christmas, reflect on the lyrics of one of my favorite Christmas songs by artist, Julie Miller. This song says it much better than I can. What kind of king would leave his throne in Heaven to make this earth his home? While men seek fame and great renown, in lowliness our king comes down. Jesus, Jesus, precious one, how we thank you that you've come, Jesus, Jesus, precious one, a manger throne for God's own son. You left the sounds of angels' praise to come for men with unkind ways, And, by this baby's helplessness, the power of nations is laid to rest. Jesus, Jesus, precious one, how we thank you that you've come, Jesus, Jesus, precious one, a manger throne for God's own son. What kind of king would come so small: from glory to a humble stall?
That dirty manger is my heart too; I'll make it a royal throne for you. Jesus, Jesus, precious one, how we thank you that you've come, Jesus, Jesus, precious one, a manger throne, (a manger throne) My heart is the throne for God's own son Listen to “Manger Throne� (Copy & Paste this link into your browser) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrrt2f879c8
Jesus was willing to leave heaven to come to earth so that I could one day leave earth and go to heaven. And I like that!