Of all the glories for which God must be praised, His providential rule over all things shines brightly at Christmas. The incarnation of Jesus occurred at the perfect time and in the precise place of God’s sovereign design. In the eternal decree of God, Mary and Joseph humbly and submissively arrived in the prophesied city of Bethlehem, guided along by angelic announcements to the praise of a massive heavenly host singing: GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST! God was at work in every detail to carry out His rule and His will in sending Jesus to our broken world.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4, 5.
The world into which Jesus arrived was dark and ruined. Rightly does the carol describe: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” Our hearts are encouraged to know that 700 years before His birth, Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be a LIGHT for people in darkness. And that He would be a righteous King that springs forth as a BRANCH from a hopelessly hewn stump. Further, Jesus would be a GOOD SHEPHERD who comes to save, nourish, and lead a people prone to wander. God was sovereignly speaking in Isaiah’s day. He was there in Bethlehem 2000 years ago orchestrating the incarnation and birth of His beloved Son. He is here today as Immanuel, inviting us to come and worship through the wonders of the Christmas story.
This is an important anchor for our souls because we sometimes strain to see God’s sovereign rule in the tragedies of our shattered world. Life can feel dark, confusing, and hopeless. And when it does, we should recall that God does His best work in the worst of times and then worship Him as Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace.
However impatient or impetuous we may be God is never rushed and He is never late. He always acts with precise timing according to His perfect will. Christmas reminds us of this. There is not an incident of which He is unaware; there is not a moment in which He is absent. As 19th century Dutch pastor, Abraham Kuyper, often said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”
He is our Lord, and He has made us His children. Come and behold Him with fresh eyes. Come and adore Him above all else.
Merry Christmas.
Tom
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