A Christmas Thought

I was thinking today about the story in Numbers 11. That's the chapter where we we read about the Israelites complaining because all they have to eat is manna. Manna was that free bread that God gave to Israel every day. It had to be good stuff. In fact, the description of it (v.8 "And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil.") always makes me think of Krispy Kreme donuts. Nevertheless, the Israelites wanted meat. So God said He would give them meat. In fact, God said He would give them so much meat that it would come out of their nostrils (verse 20 - look it up if you think I'm exaggerating). And God did send them an abundance of meat in the form of quails. But, just as the people started to scarf down the Kentucky Fried Quail, God sent a deadly plague. They buried the people who died and they called the place Kibroth-hattaavah which means, "the graves of the greedy."

I see a parallel between Numbers 11 and the American experience of Christmas. The manna is a picture of Christ. Christ is the true bread from heaven (John 3: 32). John 3:35 says, "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall not thirst.' " We can find complete satisfaction in Christ. He is the bread of heaven sent from God. That's what we should be celebrating at this time. Unfortunately that's not enough for most people. They want the stuff, not the bread that God has given. Not that we shouldn't give gifts, that's not the point. The point is are we celebrating Christ or are we really just lusting after the meat (flesh)? What's going to characterize your Christmas - enjoying the free, satisfying bread of heaven or digging the graves of greediness?

Let us rejoice in the free gift of our Savior. Let's find our satisfaction in Him. Let's learn to be thankful for what we do have, not fuss about what we don't have. Numbers 11 is there as a reminder to us of what happens when we are greedy. Let's learn the lesson and glorify our Lord this Christmas.

The Christ of Christmas 2005

Have you seen a nativity scene yet? You probably have. Maybe you have seen one in a picture. Maybe you have seen one in front of a church or house. Maybe you have a small one in your house. These nativity scenes show the baby Jesus lying in a manger within a stable and surrounded by a host of characters. Most nativity scenes have Mary, Joseph, animals, and shepherds. Some others add angels and wise men. By these nativity scenes we are reminded of all the wonderful events surrounding the birth of Christ. We may even be moved to think about the staggering, spiritual truth of God taking on human flesh - the incarnation. This is the most wonderful time of the year.

However, I wonder if sometimes we don't take it all for granted. Year after year we sing the same songs, we hear the same sermons, we see the same sights, and while we may enjoy all of this, we may fail to appreciate the significance of it all.

So let's put aside the manger scene for a minute and think about the Christ of Christmas 2005. He's not a baby lying in a manger anymore. The Christ of today is described in Revelation 1:12-16. Here we see the Lord of the Church. He is wearing His priestly robe because He is our High Priest. He has hair that is white like wool, like snow. This is not a flat white like paper or on a wall, but a blazing white. That's because Christ is perfectly pure. His eyes are like flaming searchlights. Christ sees into the depths and secret places. Nothing is hidden from His sight. His feet are like burnished bronze. Just like metals are refined and purified in the furnace, so Christ is purifying His church. His voice is like many waters, like the waves of the sea crashing against the rocks. This speaks of His infinite power. His words cannot be refuted or debated. His verdicts can't be overturned. His promises will all be fulfilled. He speaks and it happens. He also has a sword coming out of His mouth. This speaks of a big, broad sword and Christ is using it to protect His church from sin and error. And His face is shining like the sun, reflecting His total perfection.

If you could see Christ today, this is what He would look like. That's the Christ of Christmas 2005. And this is what He looked like before He left heaven to come into the world. It is important to remember His incarnation but you have to realize that it is this glory that He put aside when He came into the world.

If you could see Christ today how would you respond? You would respond just like John did. Revelation 1:17 records John's response, "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man." That is humble, reverent, awestruck, fear of God kind of worship. And that is the appropriate Christmas response. When the angel appeared to the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, what was their response? They were terribly frightened. When the wise men came to present their gifts, what did they do when they entered the house? They fell down and worshipped. That's how we should respond.

When you see nativity scenes this year remember that baby in the manger is also the Christ of Christmas 2005. O, Come let us adore Him!