From Star-Gazing to Cross-Raising
Matthew 2:2 Where is the One brought forth King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and we came to worship Him.
The “Christmas Story” is rich in dynamics, even if it’s only for the novel reader who likes a good plot!
Scene:
The politics of southern Israel are buzzing with old prophecies ready to unfold; a new rival to the Herodian throne. Meanwhile, camel-riding star-gazers travel from afar to locate this would-be Messiah, only to find a Baby in Bethlehem, son of a virgin girl. Now, how does that work? The plot thickens.
What sort of king of the Jews can upheave the strong arm of the Roman Empire? Whatever His modest beginnings, the Babe is worth the worship with expensive gifts. Unfortunate for the weary travelers that they would have to wait a few decades to learn the real definition of worship:
John 4:23 “The Father desires worshipers who worship in spirit and truth.”
Jesus’ protégé, Paul, would later attempt to give legs to Jesus’ somewhat ambiguous definition of worship:
Romans 12:1 “I implore you, Brothers, through God’s favor, to present your bodies a living sacrifice-holy, exceedingly well-pleasing, your spiritual service.”
Paul’s truth of worship includes personal sacrifice (renounce the self) as spirituality. Two more cents is added from 2 Peter:
2 Peter 1:4 “…becoming a partaker in the Divine nature of God.”
Jesus was fully-human, born of a vaginal birth and was fully-Divine, Fathered by the creator of the universe. What the three wise guys didn’t know was that Jesus didn’t come to duel the Caesar; He came to crush the pride and ego of people who claim to dwell in Him (1 John 2:6), so that they can partake in the Divine nature, to, in Christ’s Humility, offer themselves as a living sacrifice to ultimately worship in spirit and Truth. Jesus laid out the invitation this way:
Matthew 16:24 If you want to come behind me, he renounced himself (remember that bit about a living sacrifice?), his cross is raised (remember that bit about partaking in the Divine nature of God?), and imitate Me (remember that bit about spirit and Truth?).
John recorded some spirit-and-Truth Christology, “In the beginning was the word…and the word became flesh. In other words, the spirit of God is the Truth of God. Jesus came, not to be admired but emulated.
This Christmas, if you’re looking for Jesus, what might you find? A baby in a nativity scene? A worship service to attend and give gifts? A Messiah who could save you from your troubles? If your search doesn’t end with a raised cross to imitate Jesus, keep renouncing yourself. You’ll find it.
