The Key To The Christmas Story

SERIES: Christmas (3 of 3)
The Key To The Christmas Story

When you hear the Christmas story, have you ever wondered why Jesus would give up the “perks” of heaven and come to our messed up world?  “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord.” (Luke 2)

Jesus left heaven and became a man. But why? As I ponder this question, I am reminded of a Christmas several years ago when I took my motorcycle to the car wash in preparation for a Toy Run. As I took the key out of the ignition to put it in my pocket, I dropped my ONE AND ONLY motorcycle key into the drain in the center of the car wash bay. I immediately panicked and knew what I had to do. I removed the grate and reached into that black, nasty water. The water was too deep so I had to call my wife, get a ride home, get a bucket, come back and scoop the oily water out of that drain 5 gallons at a time. Finally the water lowered enough for me to lay on my stomach, put my arm back in what was now two feet of water and run my fingers through the sludge at the bottom. It was disgusting, it smelled and I was covered in yuck, but I kept digging in that filth because I saw value in my motorcycle key. I wanted it back, so I did whatever was necessary... and it paid off. After a few minutes digging in the sludge, I found my key.
   
When I remember the filth I was willing to dig through to get my key back, it helps me understand why Jesus would leave heaven and humble Himself to become a totally helpless baby on that first Christmas morning, to live as a human and ultimately die a cruel death. He saw value in YOU, and in ME...and in that “loser” you have dealt with five times before. He was willing to do whatever it took to show His love for us and to show the way to know Him despite the fact that we are the ones that made the earth the filthy pit that it is. 
   
This Christmas season, take a moment to remember how valuable YOU are to God that He would do this for you. And when you deal with broken people, remember God sees value and offers redemption to them as well. 

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Rob

Links to other posts in this series: Christmas- Part 1, Part 2