Nativity

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season has begun!  Christmas music everywhere and it’s become politically correct, ok, maybe not.  But at the very least it’s become socially acceptable to mention Jesus in public.  And we decorate the house!!!  As we were decorating the tree, Josiah looked up at the nativity we have on the mantle.  Then I overheard the following conversation. 



Josiah: look Matthew it's Jesus!      


Matthew: Jesus?


Josiah: yes Jesus. Up high. You can't reach. You're to little. 



Hmmm.  Something in me really didn’t like hearing him tell Matthew that he couldn’t reach Jesus.  I know he was referring to the little ceramic baby and not the real Jesus, but still something about it was unsettling. 

Maybe because that’s actually the opposite of what Christmas is really about.  It’s not about a God that is up high, that we can’t reach because we are to little.  It’s about a God who loves us so much that he sent us his only Son.  It’s about God descending from on high.  Coming down to meet us where we are.  Becoming reachable.  Showing his great love for the little. 

How many of us used to think God was like that nativity.  Up high, and out of reach.  How many people are there living around us who think God is like that?  Who will show them a God of love and compassion this Christmas?  Will it be me?  Will it be you?

Let’s remember as we enter this season who this God is we celebrate.  He’s not a god that’s out of reach.  He’s a God who reaches out to us and those around us offering his love, forgiveness, and salvation. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16