Jesus made his humble entrance into our world, in a smelly structure designed for animals – a shed. He entered our world in the form of a weak and helpless newborn baby and was placed in a smelly feed trough. He was born to Mary – a young girl with no training, resources, skill or connections – tired (and probably smelly) from walking the road to Bethlehem, having likely encountered wild animals and thieves along the way. A bunch of poor and common shepherds visited Jesus on the night of his birth. They were probably smelly too.
Despite his humble entrance to the world, angels announced Jesus’ birth. A star in the heavens inspired wise and noble men, from thousands of kilometres away, to visit Jesus in his early years and offer him gifts that reflected his mission:
- Gold: A heavy, expensive and rare metal, indicating that Jesus would be King.
- Frankincense: An expensive substance imported from Arabia used only by priests to release pleasurable scented smoke to the heavens, indicating Jesus would be the High Priest.
- Myrrh: A major ingredient in perfumes and beauty treatments, used for embalming dead bodies to ensure they wouldn’t smell so bad before being buried, indicating Jesus was born to die.
Jesus never walked on red carpet, but he walked on water. Jesus never owned a farm, yet he fed 5000 men plus their women and children with fish and bread. Jesus never undertook a sommelier course, yet he ensured the best wine was served last at a wedding. Jesus never studied medicine, yet he healed people physically and spiritually.
Jesus never wrote a book, yet millions of people engage with his teaching. Jesus never had a social media account, yet he has more followers than Ronaldo.
Christmas. It’s all about Jesus. Jesus, the King and High Priest, who was born to die. Jesus, who could not be touched by sin and who could not be stung by death. The One who was born with the express purpose that we might live.
Jesus saves. He did then. And he does today.
Because of Jesus, we’re not fighting for the victory. We’re living from the victory.
This Christmas, may you and your family know deep in your heart and soul, the glorious magnificence that is Jesus Christ.
Your sister,
Jane
Jane Mueller
Principal
Living Faith Lutheran Primary School
