Seeking Christmas
Something about this year made me see the first coming of my savior in a much different way than I have in the past. I was focusing on what I know and relying on what I’ve been taught… but this was the first year that I had to SEEK him and what he wanted to teach me.
Think of the time before Jesus came to be born. The world had no hope because they were constantly paying for their sins through sacrifices or with their lives. The world had very little joy because no one had the Holy Spirit to guide them in the right direction. They were SEEKING the Savior that was promised to come for about 700 years before that fateful night.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
This verse has two promises in it. The first is the virgin birth of Jesus. We know that this is the prophecy of our Savior’s birth. Most of us have this prophecy memorized or at least we know what it means. It is sort of an add-on prophecy because it seems to just expand on the promise in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”
The Prophets, Rabbis, and Pharisees searched for the signs of the Lord coming for more than seven centuries, and when he was presented to the world in a humble stable surrounded by livestock and shepherds the world rejected him. These people were not searching for the lowest of the low, they were looking for someone that would come with worldly power and influence that could overthrow the Roman government and restore the Israelites to their former glory.
But the Nativity story does show a group of men that really were seeking the true Christ. In Matthew 2: 1-12 we are introduced to the visiting Magi (Wise men). These were astronomers and students of the ancient texts. We know that they come from the East, so they are not even Jewish. They are outsiders that have been searching and waiting to see the Savior of the World. They saw the signs in the sky and immediately jumped into action.
Now I don’t blame them for thinking that the King of Kings would probably be born in Jerusalem, the capital city and where David did sit on his throne. I love that Herod was completely baffled by their claim, and tried to trick them into reporting once they found Jesus, so he could kill him. Just another perfect example of how God’s plan will always trump Man’s plan.
But my point is that these men were seeking Christ Jesus and they were rewarded for their diligence.
Now for the second promise.
“Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
This is the promise for us that came after his death and resurrection. The people of Israel were looking for a King, not a savior… but with their track record why would we expect differently. They wanted a king over God’s leadership and they got Saul. Great choice, Israelites, great choice. So when Jesus came to them as a humble Carpenter and claim the almighty power of “I Am” there were going to be some very upset zealots that were looking forward to the war.
But it is us that should be preparing for war. The first time Jesus came it was to save as many that would accept him and his sacrifice for our sins. This second coming is where he will establish his never-ending kingdom. This time he is going to sit on the throne and all will know of his magnificence, but not all will love him.
We are still SEEKING Jesus every minute of every day because we should want to establish his Kingdom here on Earth and once again fulfill our original purpose of dwelling with him.
This Christmas be looking for Jesus, and helping others that are searching for Jesus find his love. We need to be studying his word so that we do not fall into the Anti-Christ trap when the prophecy of Revelation is finally achieved, and we need to be seeking Christ personally so that we may experience the Love and Joy that only he can truly fulfill.
Until Next Time,
Peace Out, Lovers.
