In my childhood my family visited my maternal grandparents every year, sometimes at Christmas. No matter the time of year, my grandmother's farewell always included: "I wish you could stay longer." She said this with the most pitiful expression on her face--almost a pout. She probably meant it as a way of expressing how much she had enjoyed our visit, but to me it felt like a joy-killing admonition.
As I got older, I would retort: "Just say, 'I'm glad you could come.' Don't make us feel bad that we're leaving too soon." This was perhaps not the most sensitive or respectful reply. It had no effect in changing her future goodbyes, anyway.
What if the Christmas story had focused on how God hated to see Jesus leave heavento come to earth rather than His joy in sending Jesus to save us? What if the brightness of the star had been replaced with the heavy daytime darkness of the crucifixion? What if the angels' song had been a dirge?
The selfless love of God is made all the more evident by His joy in this incarnation knowing what it would mean for us--blessings of intimacy, relatability, and eternity for everyone who would accept His gift.. His loss, our great gain! In that sacred birth announcement He made sure it was obvious that it was a gift for everyone--from lowly shepherds to wealthy, learned magi. What a spectacular gift! Joy to the world!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
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