December 25

Three Thoughts

God didn't send a representative, even though He could. God didn't send an angel with a message, even though He could. He came Himself. The God who created the galaxies became a baby who needed His mother to feed Him. That's how much He wanted to be with you and me. Emmanuel means "God with us." Here in the mess, in the joy, in all of it.

MATTHEW 1:23

The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. Jesus didn't just visit earth, he moved in. He felt hunger, he got tired, he felt heartbreak, and he felt joy. He knows what it's like to be human because he was fully human. And he was fully God. The glory of Christmas is that heaven came down so we could experience God face-to-face.

JOHN 1:14

The angels said, "Good news of great joy for all people." Not just for the religious people. Not just for the ones who had their lives together. For all people. A Savior was born for you. For the broken, the tired, the joyful, the searching. Jesus came for everyone. That's the heart of Christmas.

LUKE 2:10-11

Two Quotes

Author C.S. Lewis on the Son of God:

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God."

Church Father Athanasius on becoming like Jesus:

"He became what we are that He might make us what He is."

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for leaving heaven to come to earth. Thank You for becoming human so I could know You personally. Today, I celebrate that You're not a distant God, but You're Emmanuel, God with us. Help me live in the wonder of Your presence today. Merry Christmas, Lord. Amen.

Question

If God loved you enough to become human and walk among us, what does that tell you about how much He cares about your everyday life right now?

See you next Thursday,
Zach

P.S. Today I’m making the greatest apple pie recipe ever. This thing is NEXT LEVEL.