Autumn is taking her bows. The season has lasted longer than usual which has been quite a blessing for me. I always enjoy the fall. I take pleasure in the early sunsets, the warmth of sweaters, and the smell of gingerbread baking. Nonetheless, the best part of the season for me must be the colors of the leaves. Soon they will be completely gone, but for a time we certainly have enjoyed glorious golds and radiant reds. In the spring and summer, we don’t see those colors. They are always there but hidden. When autumn comes, the verdant curtain is opened, and we catch a glimpse of glory.
On the last month of the year, we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Our mind turns toward a small town in Judea, and we think of a babe lying in a feeding trough surrounded by loving parents. The circumstances are unusual, but they don’t seem earth-shattering. The Christmas carol asks, “Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?” The question assumes a great deal. We ask it from our side of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. However, on that day in Bethlehem, the question might be, “Why not?”
In the story of Jesus’ birth, we don’t have to answer the question. The heavens themselves declare God’s glory. An angel announces, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The angels pull the curtain aside, and we catch a glimpse of glory. Like those trees in the background whose revealed colors capture our notice, the angels’ herald brings us to the manger. This Christmas season, I pray that the good news of God’s love and salvation may receive new attention in our hearts. At worship and fellowship together, let’s catch a glimpse of glory.
Merry Christmas,
James
