Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – December 2023

Against the backdrop of Roman tyranny, the birth of Christ in Bethlehem was a humble event that went largely unnoticed. However, those intimate with Scripture embraced an expectant hope for the Messiah, foretold by the prophets. Amidst the anticipation, few could have predicted the Messiah's origins in Nazareth or His destiny to suffer and die – a truth revealed in Scripture and embodied in Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus' arrival was marked by humility and mystery, traits that often led to misunderstandings about His true nature. He was endowed with many titles: the Lamb of God, the Son of God, Rabbi, Son of Man, Messiah, King of Israel – each revealing a facet of His role in the divine plan. He was both a Teacher and the prophesied King, the human and divine bearer of divine salvation.

The celebration of Christmas is not only a remembrance of Jesus' birth but also a time of reflection on the profound implications of His life and death. It is a call to await His return with the same anticipation, ready and watchful, unlike those who missed His first coming. The Bible cautions against self-absorption, which blinded many to His first arrival and warns of a similar peril as His second coming approaches.

As we remember the wise men who received Him with open hearts, we're invited to do the same – to welcome Him as Lord and Savior, allowing us to become children of God. This season is a call to live in the present, grateful for Christ's first coming and expectant of His return, ready to receive Him with the wisdom and joy of those who first heralded His arrival.