With the exception of the hymn Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne (which I am not familiar with) this is an important devotion for this time of the year. Tripp begins with this:
Jesus willingly lived without an earthly home so that by grace we wold be guaranteed a place in the Father’s home forever.
The Christmas story is an amazing story, one that gets richer with every telling or reading. Every nugget unearthed mines the truth deeper. Every detail shows the story of Christmas more beautiful. It is an amazing story for sure. The King of kings and Lord of lords leaves the majesty of heaven and His Father’s side to come to a shattered earth to suffer and die for people who do not deserve it. We are rebels and find ourselves at odds with the plan of God. The Messiah is not born in a palace, but in a stable. He lives his life as a pilgrim with “no place to lay his head” or to call home. That is a luxury even animals are afforded. He is despised and rejected and subject to a bloody, painful and horrible death. And what makes it even more amazing is He did it willingly and intentionally so we (the rebels) can know forgiveness.
While this Christmas is focused on the happenings in the manger, the real happenings will take place BECAUSE of this! A home in eternity.
“Father, I pray the Christmas story will not become “old” to me. I pray I will not lose the picture of majesty come down to earth for a rebel like me.”
I apologize for the brevity of this devotion. I am fighting flu-like symptoms and my mind is somewhat in a fog. But I still hope this Christmas season focuses your attention on the amazing story we can continue to unearth and mine into deeper meaning.
Bill, No need to apologize… Get well soon!
A true Riches to Rags story.
King to pilgrim.
Jesus had all but one thing…
A relationship with His creation.
He was willing to sacrifice for a time His perfect Home in Heaven to come to Earth as a baby born in a manger.
He was willing to face the ridicule, the mocking, the torture, and even death. But mostly, being separated from God for a time.
He did this to restore what was lost in Eden… His relationship with His creation.
Truly the perfect Christmas gift. Truly a reason to celebrate.
Ryan S.
Oh, Bill, so sorry to hear you’re not feeling up to snuff! I will be praying for healing for you; nothing worse than being sick on Christmas.
Blessings!
When I stop to consider the facts you mention here, and Tripp mentions – everything Jesus left and choose to go through to secure us an eternal dwelling with the Good, Good Father – I’m awestruck!
Sorry you are feeling sick! Praying that you can quickly recover and be able to enjoy the Christmas celebrations!
I love the story. It defines us.
Without Him we’re separated from Him for eternity. That grace is unimaginable.
Hope you get to feeling better. You have a big day ahead of you.