Jesus Christ being born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago was one of greatest miracles by God. Ranking miracles is a silly pursuit, so I will avoid that, but consider this…
The Creator of the entire physical universe, who existed before time itself, with infinite power, majesty and holiness, restrained all that glory and squeezed himself into a tiny, humble, human baby, sleeping in a feed trough. How much power would it take to restrain infinite power and glory? How much power would it take to be fully God and fully man? How much love would it take to be willing to give your son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world?
In my tiny mind, the incarnation in such a manner would take more power than it took to carve out the Grand Canyon or push up Mount Everest, or to raise someone from the dead.
If you think about it, a common thread in both the birth of Christ and his crucifixion is about infinite power restrained. God held back his Glory and power to accomplish something amazing. (Anyone remember the song, “He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels”?)
Who is this King of Glory who not only restrains his own majesty, but blesses people who do the same and are humbled? In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount he specifically mentions blessing people who are:
- Poor and realize their need for God
- Mourners
- The humble
- The justice seekers
- The merciful
- The pure of heart
- Peacemakers
- The persecuted
These traits are not found in a person who is arrogant, proud and self-reliant.
So, authors, agents, publishers, editors, marketers, aspiring writers…on this day before Christmas, when we are running from one thing to the next, let us remember the example of the King of Kings who restrained his own Glory to accomplish something far greater.
Next time we want to pat ourselves on the back for something great we have done, just remember how pleasing it is when we walk humbly in HIS steps.
Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright….
Sshhhh….Merry Christmas.
Dan, this is why I love writing within a community of other Christians. We have our own lofty goals and visions of best-sellers, adoring readers, and a daily commute downstairs to our office. But we are quick to put things in perspective, as you have done here. Maybe my writing will only reach one person. But on the day I step into His presence, He may say “he was the I sent you to reach, well done.” Wouldn’t that be far greater than any of these writer’s fantasies I often find myself caught up in? He sent us something wonderful beyond human measure. His Son. My Christmas is complete every day of the year. Merry Christmas, Dan.
Thank you, Dan. I sometimes lose sight of my original goal for writing. I need the refocus. Merry Christmas.
The hymn TenThousand Angels is one of my favorites! Thank you for a beautiful post. And I love “sshhhChristmas” – what a wonderful reminder to be still and drink in the wonder of his love for us!
This is a fabulous post and reminder that needs to be shared wide and far. Thank you for this message, Dan. Merry Christmas!
I cannot accurately express how much there is to ponder over your words of God’s restraint in His son’s incarnation. You painted it so clearly, and yet it’s still difficult for this human to grasp. For me, this is the season of love, and thinking about how that demonstration of love was done in powerful restraint leaves me in awe and a praise filled state. “..the King of Kings restraining His own Glory to accomplish something far greater.” Yes, what an example indeed! Halleluiah!
THANK YOU, DAN for this reminder that is so worth celebrating!
Thank you for the moving reminder of His Infinite Love. Merry Christmas!
“Infinite power restrained” — what a terrific insight. I hadn’t thought of His birth that way before. Merry Christmas!
Thank you.