Into MY World - I am a Witness

 

By Will Witherington

Posted: Sunday, December 25th, 2011

 

 

For years I have wanted to write down some of the devotional thoughts I have during the Christmas season.  My thoughts usually revolve around two ideas: First that the Incarnation was an "invasion" - heaven was invading earth; Second, there were witnesses that had various points of view regarding the Incarnation.  These short devotionals each day will look at the witnesses to this invasion – God, the angels, Mary/Joseph, the shepherds, the animals/stars, the wise men, me.

 

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Jesus was having a discussion with his disciples about who the masses thought He was when the discussion turned personal. Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20). It is easy to adbot someone else’s opinion on something; it is a very different thing to own it for yourself!

 

We have seen how Jesus is God’s Son who was given to Earth. We have seen how the warrior- messengers announce the invasion of the commander-in-chief. We have seen how the lowly shepherds received this marvelous announcement. We have seen how Mary & Joseph responded to the overwhelming revelation that they would be the parents of the Son of Man. All of creation, including the stars, animals, the rocks, and the kings of all nations bear witness that this is truly the Savior of the world.

 

But what do I say?

 

What does Jesus mean to me during this holiday season?

 

First, Isaiah 9:6 says, “He will be called...Everlasting Father.” During this season I most often reflect on the fact that the Incarnation means I have a Father that will never leave me nor forsake me. I can live in the freedom that no matter what my earthly father has done, my Father in heaven watched over me. I also line in the freedom that though I strive to be the best father I can be, God alone can meet all the needs of my family. I am loved more than I could ever imagine!

 

Second, the angel told Joseph to name him Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). I am “his people.” Therefore, Jesus was sent from all eternity to take away my sin! To think that God, in his foreknowledge, had my heart in mind when sending Jesus to Earth is incredible. “Far as the curse is found,” I am forgiven!

 

Lastly, I think about the utter protection that I have in Christ. God sent warrior messengers to announce and aide his Son. God protected Jesus from Herod’s tyrannical rage. God “would not let his holy one see decay” (Psalm 16:10) by raising Him from the dead. Will not God also protect me? I am his!

 

This does not mean that I will be free from trouble in this sinful world, but this does mean that I will be utterly protected; not even death can conquer me. I am eternally secure!