In a manger, on that incredible night where a star shone brightly in the dark sky over a bustling Bethlehem town, Love was born. No one knew but the shepherds, no one dared to think that on this night the entire course of human history would change. It was an extravagant gesture of love as the King laid down his crown, surrendered it for human flesh, and stilled the longing of human hearts. Into the world was born this special baby who was promised long ago as the only answer to the sin of Eden. Jesus, the Messianic King, was wrapped in a makeshift assortment of cloths, sleeping, crying, cooing, and Mary held Love tightly in her arms.
At the invitation of the angels, the shepherds left the fields and came to worship God’s love gift to humanity. Magi from the east travelled from a distant land to lavish extravagant gifts on this King of love. The prophetic word from Isaiah of a shepherd King who would gather the lambs in his arms and carry them close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11) was now being fulfilled as love was personified in the baby Jesus.
Introduced into a world who knew him not, the Son of God came near—vulnerable, glorious, and humble. Love was born to us! Love grew and touched those who could not be touched. Love forgave those who would not be forgiven. Love listened to those who had no one to listen to them. Love prayed for those who lashed out in hatred. Love gave life to those who were caught in the grasp of death. Love willingly died so that our sin would be removed and our rebellious hearts forgiven.
We’ve been with World Impact for 12 years now and when people ask us, “What keeps you in the city?” it isn’t the smog or the insane traffic, or the filthy streets, the run-down neighborhood, the insistent buzz of police helicopters, the beat-up couches lining the street, the homeless encampments, the empty alcohol bottles that litter our front yard, or the crazy-loud music that is pumped out from our neighbor’s house across the street at 3:00 am. But then again, maybe that is what keeps us here… We’re called to the city to continue the ministry that Jesus demonstrated when he walked among us—to empower the poor; to reach out to the marginalized; to defend the widow; to seek justice; to take care of the hurting; and to help the under-resourced. It’s true that there might be more glamorous places to put down roots and less complicated places to raise our kids, but to be immersed in an area where we have abundant opportunity to communicate the tangible love of Jesus to those who are searching is what compels us. Christ’s love compels us (2 Cor. 5:14)!
The story of Advent is a story of love—God’s unconditional, unchanging, unrelenting love. This Advent season, let us be filled with wonder at the mystery of God’s incarnational love expressed personally through Jesus of Nazareth. For it’s through this love that the deepest craving of every human heart is exclusively fulfilled.
Merry Christmas from World Impact! Read more of our Christmas blogs below:
