There have been days of darkness and difficulty throughout history. The days preceding the coming of the Messiah were such days. The Roman Empire dominated the world, and similar to the time of Samuel, “in those days, the word of the Lord was rare.” (1 Samuel 3:1). Yet into this darkness and difficulty, Jesus came.
He didn’t come unannounced. His birth had been foretold throughout history, by prophets and holy men and women of old. In addition, there was the the star, the angelic visitations, and the wise men from far off lands who had seen the declaration in the stars. There was celebration at His coming.
There was also opposition. When Herod got wind of the news of this Messiah, he had all the babies under two years of age slaughtered. The good news of the gospel didn’t seem so good to the the families of these children. Yet, this tragedy did not minimize the good news of Jesus birth. Neither was it God’s fault. These were the actions of a cruel and evil man opposed to everything good.
Then as now, we misinterpret the story of the Gospel. Our hope and desire, is that when God comes, good comes. Our dream is that evil is banished. We long for the goodness of the Kingdom of God and all of its abundance and fruit. Yet the same opposition that arose at the birth of the King on Christmas day arises today. Do you wonder why things are difficult? Does it seem as if things don’t go as you plan or if every step you take towards God seems challenged? Such is the human condition.
Yet Jesus came. And He comes. He comes into our imperfect lives, challenged and opposed. He comes into the difficulty with us. Immanuel, God with us. He isn’t afraid to get dirt on His face and feet. Into these, He offers hope. He offers light. He offers peace. He offers freedom. He offers healing. He offers salvation.
He offers these today, just as He did when He walked the earth. The choice is ours to accept or reject His offer. Many distrust or misunderstand it. Many struggle trying to figure it all out and want to fully vet the offer with the world around them before accepting it. To others, it seems like a false narrative of some make believe kingdom and an escape from the reality they know all too well.
The choice remains. God has come to us and is with us. Will you come to Him?