 This is an excerpt from "This Will Be a Sign to You" , December 2. “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” -Luke 2:7, NIV There are several people mentioned in the Bible who completely missed out on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Let’s start with the owner of the home Mary and Joseph stopped by while she was in labor. Jesus literally could have been born in his house and, because it was presumably already full, Mr. Homeowner sent them to the barn instead. Then there’s King Herod who, upon hearing a religious king was born, felt jealous instead of joyous and wiped out every boy baby in order to eliminate any perceived threat to his throne. This last one is the real shocker. The high priests and religious experts even missed God coming to earth. Despite knowing all the scriptures, prophecies, and exactly where Christ was to be born, they never even went to see if He had arrived. Who didn’t miss Jesus? The culturally insignificant shepherds, some wise men from the East, an old man, Simeon, and an old widow named Anna. The most unexpected, distant, outcast, and forgotten people found Christmas. Why? Because they were looking for it. Be it the hustle and bustle of everyday life or a disbelief that God could actually intercede in our world, almost everyone missed Jesus’ birth. You know, we miss the true meaning of Christmas for the same reasons. Humanity hasn’t changed so much and God hasn’t changed at all. So, if you really want to see Jesus you must do what those who found Him did... look for Him. Jesus came then, He’s still here now, and His promise is to never leave. How can you look for Jesus this Christmas and every day? Advent Idea: Sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen or holiday church event. Look for evidence of Jesus’ presence as you serve. Intentionally be His hands and feet.
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