God’s word tell us that we all have an appointed time to live and to die. However, even with knowing that we will all die one day, it is not what we think of when we think of life. We love life and many of us consider it our responsibility to do all that we can, so that our lives are not cut short. We truly value the years that we have been given, and so we make every effort to live well and long.
This year I heard of an artisan who uses nails in all his Christian based art. When I discovered that he had made a nativity out of nails, and had put a small cross of nails in the manger, it was beyond words. The imagery of a cross overshadowing a newborn child hit me, just as was the intention.
This King left heaven to come to earth, in the same way that all of us have entered this world, but He was very unlike us. His was a walk that none of us would ever match. Jesus was born with a purpose that was his alone, and that purpose was to die for the iniquities of all mankind. Even as He lay in his manger, the foreshadowing of the cross was practically within reach. This small baby we sing carols about was our Redeemer. He was the only One who would deliver us from our immorality, our most heinous sins, our unrighteousness, and every and all forms of wickedness.
It always was His task from the very beginning. The majesty of heaven rejoicing with a young virgin who held her small child, perhaps not completely aware that she held the most precious gift the world would even know, and Who in those moments was finding peace and rest in her arms.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, in order to establish it with judgment and peace, from that time forward, even forever, the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.