“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:5
They were awaiting a king in splendor, and so went unnoticed a baby in innocence. Today, Jesus is still not who they expect.
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” John 1:10
They awaited a long-anticipated Messiah, coming in glory and power, and so no thought was given to the child, clothed in humility, lying in a lowly manger.
Today, they look for an answer. In health, in wealth, in power and prestige. They give no consideration to the idea that He could be their long-awaited answer. He is not the answer they expect.
“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” John 1:11
They watched for a king’s procession. A parade to announce the arrival of royalty. And so, no heed was given to the miracle of that one “ordinary” silent night.
Today they wait for that moment when all will make sense. If only enough insight is reached, enough knowledge gained, enough self realized. They do not see that He is the source of knowledge, the epitome of truth.
“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” John 1:9
They waited. Their expectations were high. Yet, the One who came, who went unnoticed, was so much greater than their expectations.
They wait. For what, they do not know. The next big thing, perhaps. An answer to anguish, a salvation from sorrow, a hope for purpose, for something worthwhile.
“And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:18-19
A few saw, a few understood the magnitude of this birth. This arrival of a dear child, sovereign savior, majestic messiah, long-awaited answer.
Today, the question remains, will they see Him? Will they embrace Him as Savior, call Him Messiah, and acknowledge Him as the answer?
A tiny child born in a rickety old stable. He was born for us. He lived for us. He was killed for us. He rose for us!
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life;” –Jesus.
As usual, you got me thinking… Your line "They wait. For what, they do not know. The next big thing, perhaps" brought my mind to all the news stories we see each year of people lining up in gigantic lines for Black Friday sales, or when the new iphone is about to be released. Lining up, waiting the the 'next big THING'. But never lining up to hear about the greatest ONE that ever arrived. There were no lines on that silent night for that unveiling, none for that arrival. And none lining up now either. "Forgive them, for they know not what they do…"