Think about it, the moment that Adam and Eve sinned, the earth has been groaning and aching. All of creation was separated from their Savior and we are all now yearning to be with our Creator. As a result, we very often look to things in creation to fill that yearning instead of our Creator. So, God, being rich in mercy has heard His creation's longing and groaning and sent His Son. Yes, God knew what actions He would take since the beginning, but it would be a stunning surprise to every mere mortal. His response would not be condemnation and judgment. Rather, his response would be intervention and rescue. He would do in grace what the law could never do. He would do in grace what we could never do for ourselves. He, Himself, would become the greatest, most costly, most transformational gift ever.
So in the midst of 2020, the busyness of life, the pull of apathy and other distractions: Where is your AWE for a savior in a manger? Do you still have that child-like giddiness towards the Nativity story? Are you captivated just as the wise men were with the star? Are you struck by the sheer awesomeness of our God just as the shepherds were when the multitude of angels sang about Christ's birth?
I ask because the implications of this birth are not only transformational to the cosmos but also eternal in their extent. This is the story of Jesus, born in a barn in Bethlehem. This messiah, the Earth cried for, now cries to be held by Mary and will soon cry in torment on the cross of salvation. He came to suffer because He came to save. The angels sang because finally, hope had come. Don't you want to join them?
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:13-14
If you are looking for a wonderful way to pour into God's word with your family this time of the year, I highly encourage you check out "Come Let Us Adore Him" by Paul Tripp for a wonderful Advent Devo.