Heaven is where we all want to end up; I sure do. This week in worship our focus turns from Ephesians to John 1:1-14. There is no other text in our Bible quite like it. Some of our most unique Christian ideas are supported by it. For instance, this is the text that clarifies Jesus was not a created being; Jesus is more than what humans could ever become. Aside from all that and more, the text reveals that Jesus was in heaven before He came to Bethlehem.
It’s hard for me to imagine that Jesus was jumping up and down about coming to earth. I don’t think that God was looking for an excuse to get Jesus out of His way. Jesus’ arrival at Bethlehem seems to be a calculated decision that would bring benefit to us humans. As I contemplate this text, I am reminded that my mental ability is finite. So, here I am trying to imagine how an infinite God thinks. A better source to understand what goes through the mind of God than my finite brain is the Holy Scriptures. The scriptures use the word “sacrifice” to describe what God decided to do.
Christmas, then, is the story of deciding to sacrifice your own comfort and well-being for the sake of someone else. Christmas is synonymous with unselfishness. Christmas does not happen by accident. It is calculated; it notices the needs of others and acts upon that. John 1:1-14 will clearly teach us that we are not God, but it might remind us that even humans can decide to sacrifice. What need to do you see this Christmas? What do you suppose the God who left heaven wants you to do about that?
