In this fifth week of Advent (yes, it doesn’t just end with Christmas, but goes until January 6), as we consider the impact of Jesus on human history, here is a devotion that reminds us that Jesus defines human history:

IN WORD – Have you ever really pondered the meaning of Christmas? Was it just God’s attempt to give us a good example to show us the way to live? Was it simply the birth of a great teacher? Did that innocent little bundle of flesh and blood in the feeding trough really hold the answer for us all?
We can never fully understand the depths of all of God’s mysteries, but we can understand a lot. He has revealed His purposes to us, so we know why Jesus was sent to this broken planet. As much as our proud society hates the idea of an atoning sacrifice, Jesus was sent into this world to die. Like the cattle around Him, the baby of Bethlehem was born for slaughter. He bore the brunt of a fallen world so we could escape its tragic direction. He descended deep so we could ascend high. He gave us a way out of the horrible implications of our rebellion.
God demonstrated for centuries that the human condition could not be fixed by humans. It could not even be repaired by an external work of God. No, there had to be a sacrifice to pay the price; there had to be a person to live the life; and it had to be perfect on both counts. Only God could do that. He clothed Himself in flesh to die, He was raised to live, and He put His Spirit within us. He doesn’t just give us life; He is our life.
IN DEED – Long ago, we were created in the image of God. We didn’t know exactly what that meant; the image shattered and we weren’t able to see clearly. But in Jesus, we now see the Spirit of God dwelling in the image of God, and we know: We were made for glory. The glory we see in Jesus is offered to us freely—in Him. The earthen vessels that once walked with God in the Garden are now filled with the very God who made them. Christmas is our assurance: Jesus came in our likeness to die our death, and He came in God’s likeness to live our life. In Him, the image of God and the image of man meet. “And now He lets them meet in us. Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” – Fulton John Sheen (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

Do you realize that every time we celebrate Christmas, we are not only remembering that human history has not only pivoted from the end of the beginning, but also to the beginning of the end? This is why the last week of Advent is after Christmas and focuses on Jesus’ Return. In Jesus’ birth, life, and death, humanity and all Creation are marching inevitably toward His Return and the end of all fallen Creation. We are now looking toward a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Take time to prepare for Jesus’ Return by meditating on Matthew 24-25 and Revelation 20-21 this week. Reflect on how much of human history is fulfilling Matthew 24, reflect on whether you are prepared for Jesus’ Return in Matthew 25, and contemplate our future in Revelation 20-21.
People of the world may put away the Christmas decorations on December 26, but Christians renew their preparations for the Return of the King. Have a blessed week! – from Magnolia in Seattle, Pastor Sam