Surprised by Immanuel
December 22, 2014
It's the week of Christmas-- the final few days in this season of waiting and anticipating the event that changed our whole world and our faith.
That night changed everything. Our God became man. He became real to us. And as it all draws closer, I'm struck by what a surprise that must have been to everyone who heard.
To shepherds, who had been sleeping on grassy hills surrounded by the flocks their lives were devoted to. A Shepherd greater than any other, yet still humble, has come to devote His life for his flocks and lead them to far greener pastures.
To kings, who had been lord and ruler over the land and the people, holding fast to the law and sitting on thrones of power. A King who is truly Lord of all has left His own thrown to come to abolish the law of the earth and bring love and peace instead.
To wise men, who were knowledgeable and revered and respected. A wiser Man has come to fulfill every prophecy, to teach and to preach and to bring every studied word of Scripture to life in His perfect example.
To humanity, who had been living within their societal structures of kings and decrees, holding on hope that freedom and change might be coming. That change did come-- He is here, Immanuel, God with us, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, yet an infant all the same.
How will this be? What a surprise to Mary, an unwed, young virgin given such a destiny, such a life-changing role to play. She could have been afraid, but she chose to trust that she was the Lord's servant and He would do as He promise.
The angels brought good news of great joy, but it came with "do not be afraid." News like that is terrifying. All normalcy, all society, every structure and every system was about to change with this news that this baby, this Savior had been born. Most of us wouldn't take that lightly.
What a surprise He must have been. Even with what they all knew, even with what they believed, even with what they had heard from the prophets and hoped for all these years, what a surprise that must have been.
We're surprised by God when He becomes real to us. Yet do not be afraid.
This thing we had only heard about or dreamt about or wondered about, when it becomes real, when there's a new life in a manger, when Jesus enters the scene, when God becomes flesh and bones before us, it's terrifying. It changes everything. Do not be afraid.
When a baby comes into the world, it usually isn't peaceful or graceful or glamorous. It's messy and loud and shocking. It changes everything. Couples become a family. Families grow by a new member. The earth has one more life. Everything changes. Do not be afraid.
It's terrifying at first, but then we move toward seeking. We move from fear to joy.
The shepherds left their flocks to follow. The wise men followed the star. Christians all over the world are still following our Lord. Do not be afraid.
He has come. Oh, how that changes everything, and oh, how terrifying that can seem. The world as we knew it got flipped on its head with that new little life swaddled in that stable scene. But oh, Immanuel has come. We are not alone. Oh, come, let us adore Him. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let heaven and nature sing. He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. Oh, that thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.