25th December 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

Theme: GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH

THEME SCRIPTURE: "And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. What is the essence of the merry in Christmas for you?

The prophecy surrounding the birth of Christ had pointed to Bethlehem as the place where the Savior would be born (Micah 5:2). To bring Mary to Bethlehem so that Jesus might be born there, the Master of all emperors turned the heart of Augustus Caesar, nephew of Julius Caesar and one of the most powerful of the Caesars. Augustus Caesar woke up one day and issued a decree, that there should be a census throughout the Roman empire (Luke 2:1). This decree came just at the time that Mary was due to deliver her precious baby. Joseph, being a descendant of David, had to go to Bethlehem with Mary to be counted. Should we call this coincidence or providence? Of course, this is divine providence, for God rules in the affairs of men.

This is very assuring because we also can trust that God would move anyone (small or great, including emperors, kings, and presidents) and anything to fulfil His word in our lives.

Having arrived in Bethlehem, Joseph sought an inn where he could lodge with Mary but there was no room. Here was precious Jesus and mother, important guests looking for space in an inn, but no one could recognize them. If Augustus Caesar had shown up at the inn, in need of room, with all the pomp and the regalia of an emperor, he would have gotten space.

A greater than Augustus Caesar was there, and the most earthshaking event in history was going to take place in the inn, and yet these important guests were turned away because they were not strategic to the business.

Many years ago, I read the story of a pastor in Denmark who went for a conference with his wife in the United States, and the hotel he thought they were registered to stay, wouldn't take them. This couple were told repeatedly that the hotel is full. A friend who was with them at that time, an American, offered to help. This friend went to the front desk, introduced himself as an employee of an important company in the States. He mentioned that he needed a room for some friends. Immediately, a room was found. This friend then mentioned to the pastor and his wife, "There's always room if you are with the right company." Jesus was not with any right business company; Mary and her baby had no proper place in Bethlehem but a manger.

Precious one, such is the case with us all. Most often we let busyness take our attention, we hardly see Jesus knocking at our doors. We get preoccupied with work issues and blinded by financial matters.

In this season, many of us will be running around shopping, cooking, hosting friends and relatives, moving from one party to the other, etc. such that we will create no room in our lives for the most important person. Yea, only a few will make time this Christmas to reflect on their relationship with God.

It is an amazing story, the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether in the gospel writing of Luke or Matthew, you find this story standing out. Every person who made it to Sunday School finds the manger bed and its previous occupant among the most cherished memories of childhood. The wonder and the revelation of this same story grow when we revisit it in later years. We begin to see beyond the manger, appreciating that indeed "Great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh" (1 Tim 3:16).

Beloved, God is a Spirit, yet when it became necessary for Him to step foot in our realm to save us, He did not hesitate.

God put on flesh, and was born in the likeness of men. This is mind-blowing and earthshaking. Why would the Almighty, possessor of the heavens and the earth, put on flesh? What a mystery this is; what a glory to behold--God in flesh in our realm.

O, precious one, that Christ will be born in the mean manger of your heart, transforming it into a palace. O, that you will catch this revelation and you will let it be the center of your joy this Christmas.

God indeed was manifested in the flesh. My King and my Lord stepped foot in our realm. He is acquainted with our grief and so our God is able to succor us. What a blessing.

FURTHER READING: Luke 2:1-11

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Today, we celebrate Christmas. What will this celebration be about for you?

PRAYER

Precious Father, truly you were manifested in the flesh, walked in our realm, and were acquainted with man's suffering. Hence, I can trust that you are well able to succor me in times of difficulty. Thank you, Father, in Jesus' precious name.

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

 Job 37, Zechariah 12, Revelation 14