No Turning Back

“He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form” (Philippians 2:7)

Before Jesus Christ left his throne in heaven; before he wrapped himself in human flesh; before he descended as a sperm into the womb of a woman named Mary; Jesus knew exactly what was awaiting him down here on planet earth.  He knew he would become a man of sorrows who would be acquainted with grief.  He knew every malicious, spiteful, unkind name his creation would hurl at him while he was here.  He knew some, including his earthly family, would think he was a crazy man.  He knew others would accuse him of being demon-possessed.  He knew every slanderous, blasphemous word religious people would call him.  He knew every humiliating embarrassing moment he would have to endure.  He knew he would not be believed or respected by most of the population.  He knew he would be spit upon.  He knew the pain and agony of every stripe that would rip across his back, tearing his flesh off.  He knew the torture the nails would bring while he was hanging on a rough and cruel cross.  He knew every drop of blood that would need to flow from his body to pay the price for our sin.  He knew it all.  All the mayhem and misery.  All the distress and despair.  All the affliction and adversity. 

Yet, here’s the thing we must never forget.  At any given moment between heaven and the manger, Jesus Christ could have turned around and gone back to his Father and his throne.  He could have said no to the humiliation.  He could have said no to all the pain and suffering.  He could have said no to a very cruel cross.  But he didn’t.  Why?  Because he knew humanity had a sin problem.  And he knew he was the only One who could take care of it.  So, he did what only he would do – He…..just…..kept…..coming!   

                                   Celebrate Christ this Christmas,

                                                                   Darlene