When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad... because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
- Luke 23:8
Christmas violates all the rules.
God is not supposed to step into flesh. Or, if he does, he certainly could do better than a backwater town, no-name parents and a subjected people.
If God were to step into flesh, he certainly would do so in a way that forced all (as in everyone throughout all time) to acknowledge him, to recognize his god-ness, to uncontrollably bend the knee. To bow. Wouldn't he?
If God were to step into flesh, he would certainly exert his power, reward his followers and trample his rejecters. Wouldn't he?
But Christmas violates all the rules. Angels aren't supposed to give impromptu concerts on hillsides. Low-life run-of-the-mill shepherds shouldn't be the first to hear the greatest story. A stable can't house a universe king. Stars don't suddenly burst to life in an X marks the spot sort of way. Right?
Christmas violates all the rules. But then again, incarnation isn't a natural thing. God-in-flesh-in-a-baby-in-a-manger is a supernatural thing. And the Creator isn't interested in our rules.
Nor does Jesus jump through hoops held up by arrogant men. Ask Herod. Herod thought Jesus a novelty. He hoped to be entertained. He wanted to see Jesus do something cool and memorable. A card trick maybe? Walk across a bath tub? Herod wanted Jesus to do something that made him feel better about himself, without having to deal with the depth of his own brokenness and depravity. Warm fuzzies are no substitute for humble open hearts.
It is interesting and sad that Herod stood face to face with Jesus and missed Heaven's Kingdom by a mile. Herod's rules didn't allow him the need for grace... as Grace stood bleeding before him.
Christmas violates all the rules. Because Emmanuel (God with us) doesn't seem to make sense. Christmas songs make sense. Nativity scenes and sleigh-rides make sense. LEDs on evergreen trees make sense. They are all sentimental, and part of the story. But only part.
The story that starlight and angels proclaimed is the story of Emmanuel. God of grace. God of intimacy. God the Son humbly born and horrifically dying; a sacrifice on my behalf and yours (and Herod's). It is the story of glorious resurrection and restoration. Christmas is the story of a grace offer to you and to me. A grace so powerful that it violates the rules. Grace that shatters even the bonds of the grave.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel...
For now...
D
