With a focus on the prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament. So many years from the prophecy to the coming of Jesus that many missed it. It seems so clear to us. We can pick up our Bibles and read it clearly.
Our Sunday school lesson included the best quote from Max Lucado's book "When God Came" but I cannot find it. When looking, I found another from the book that is perfect:
“She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey! This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds. Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold.” ― Max Lucado, God Came Near: God's Perfect Gift
Are we so different today? We are so busy that it is easy to miss the moments that matter.
The incarnation is such a miracle. That God's seed would grow in the womb of an ordinary girl who was loved by an ordinary man. The Bible is clear that she was untouched by Joseph. No intimacy shared in marriage consummation. Yet, Joseph cared for her so tenderly as she carried God's son. Did it feel like a dream?
The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was surely long and difficult with her pregnancy being full term. Seriously, I cannot imagine her discomfort. Did they question God when there was no room in the inn?
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel. (Micah 5:2)’ " -Matthew 2:5-6
The Bread of Life was about to arrive in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means "House of Bread." God wove so many intricacies into the birth of His Son. He had been waiting for the right time and the right couple. It all came together as promised. He keeps his promises.
Today I am grateful for the second Sunday of Advent.
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