And a Little Child Will Lead Us…
This Christmas, let’s remember that the kingdom of God came to earth in the form of a helpless baby.
This Christmas, I’m reminded of a few truths about the birthday of one of the greatest leaders in history:
God chose to come to earth as small, weak, and helpless.
God chose to be born in the least flashy and public of places – a place where animals lived.
God chose to come amidst suffering, under the eyes of a leader who felt so threatened by him that he killed all children under two years old.
God chose to come at a time of great need, as the Israelites were occupied by the Romans and looking desperately for justice and hope.
And God chose to wait…
He lived, breathed, played, worked, laughed, cried, and so much more – for three decades before he began his public ministry.
God lived among us for years, before anyone really knew who he was.
He wasn’t the wealthiest, nor did he have the best education. We don’t really know what he looked like. During his ministry, he lived without a regular home.
When we expected judgment, he offered us grace. When we retreated in fear, he spoke up against injustice and corruption. When we looked for political deliverance, he sacrificed his life.
He didn’t just teach about the kingdom of God. He embodied it. He brought the kingdom of God with him.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1)
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.’ ” (Matthew 11)
Thank you… to the helpless baby… for showing us the kingdom of the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Thank you… to the servant leader… for bringing us the kingdom of those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and those who are still persecuted.
Thank you for your Kingdom… and thank you for the King – Emmanuel – who is always with us.
“He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes…
“With justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth…
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together…
“And a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11)
