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Mary: Open And Receptive
Brian Mashburn
December 4, 2016
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Making Christmas Matter
If you can manage to put all the fluff and commercialism aside, Christmas has imbedded within it a powerful little story that is found in Matthew 1:18-23, summarized by the last verse, which says, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us.'"
Eight sentences! Can you believe how big Christmas has become all over the world based on eight sentences? Why such a big deal about such a tiny story?
Why? Because, if Christmas really is the anniversary of the appearance of God in the form of a human baby, it's not a tiny story at all. If it really is the story of divinity becoming humanity, eternity entering time, heaven invading earth, then it's the biggest event - not just in the history of mankind - but in the whole history of eternity. Span time in both directions, then go beyond it, and you will never hear of a more significant moment than this one - the moment that God became man.
What are we to do with such a story? The Christmas story.
And I mean beyond the traditions of man - the gift giving, cheer, and decorations. I mean, what are we to do within us? What should our posture be towards this story to ensure that we receive whatever it is God is wanting to deliver? What should our posture be towards Jesus to ensure that we enjoy all that he means for us to be?
Using some of the cast of characters around his birth as our guides -Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men - let us will look to the Christmas story to find our answer.
Do you have a posture towards Christ that allows you to receive him - really receive him - as your king? Let's find out.