God Speaking

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Christmas cards are beginning to fill our mail box and yes I like the old fashioned ones that come in envelopes which I enjoy opening to see that familiar writing of an old friend. (Electronic cards seem slightly sterile in comparison) I love the traditional paintings of the Old Masters, but equally love the more modern renditions and I marveled at one such card that came this week that had been painted by mouth. I am intrigued at who is gathered to worship the Christ Child and look closely to see who is portrayed. This time the shepherds grab my attention and I wonder yet again at these ordinary men being chosen to hear first the most wonderful news mankind will ever hear. The other attention getting moment is when I recognize that their eyes are fixed on that tiny baby in the manger.

The author of Hebrews (12:2) summed up that moment for the shepherds and for all who have come since, the importance of “fixing our eyes on Jesus”. The shepherd’s reaction to this startling and wonderful news is also well worth noting, not content to just hear the news, they have the overwhelming urge to go and see for themselves,

“… Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15)

Seeing is believing, is a common phrase, but it does not always hold true. The inn was overcrowded that night, surely someone noticed a young pregnant girl being turned away from the door. Surely someone saw that strange glow over the stable. Surely someone saw those shepherds running to that same stable. Why weren’t the crowds flocking to see this miracle birth?

Sadly the same holds true today. Our city is festooned with decorations. Crowds are filling the shopping malls. Christmas music assails us on every corner. The evidence is everywhere that the King of King’s birthday is about to be celebrated, but how many are planning to spend time face to face with him? If you asked many of the crowd who would tell you that they knew him well? Who is planning to offer themselves as a gift for him?

One of my favourite hymns sums up what needs to take place so that seeing really becomes believing.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you

I want to see you

When we are willing to allow our hearts to do the seeing, we will see beyond the trappings of the Christmas season and want to kneel with those shepherds in adoration of the Saviour who has been sent to us and pray along with Paul this beautiful prayer,

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” (Ephesians 1:18)

Personal Favorite related article:

•  Netanyahu Records Video Christmas Greeting to the “Christian Citizens of Israel” (flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com)

Related articles that are good to read:

• The story of Christmas … a continuing journey (plymouthcongregationalchurch.wordpress.com)
• What Will You Celebrate This Christmas? (stevensawyer.wordpress.com)
• Guess who’s coming to town (comissioned.wordpress.com)