Today I'm also putting the final touches on a midweek Advent sermon I'll be preaching to a small congregation located less than an hour from where I live. I'm preaching a series entitled "Back to Basics," based upon readings from the Apostle Peter's letters. This week's sermon is based upon 1 Peter 2:6-8. It's all about the precious cornerstone laid in Zion, so I'm calling it simply "Stone."
Interior of the Basilica of the Holy Nativity
The stone cave in which Jesus was born is in stark contrast to the very elaborate Church of the Nativity. Those who built, rebuilt and maintained that structure over the centuries probably did so out of reverence, but in so doing they have made it difficult to see how simple, humble and basic was the place of Jesus' birth. To remember this is also to recall that the Creator and Ruler of the universe chose to become a tiny child born for us in the lowliest of conditions. In this manner He has become a cornerstone upon which we may build our lives, a Rock that will never be destroyed. No matter how humble, difficult, stressful and lonely our condition of life, we can rest securely on this Rock, this Prince of Peace, born in a stable.
Your article got me to thinking. Think about Mary and Joseph's dilemna: the 90 mile journey while close to, or in, labor pains; the anxiety of finding a somewhat comfortable place for delivery; unsanitary conditons; Joseph had to be the midwife; etc. But the Word of prophecy was fulfilled: the place was Bethlehem. Even an evil king Herod found that out. Note how the PLACE of your birth is important: we are often asked by government officials and others, "where were you born"? If you are born in the USA you could become president! Jesus was born in a cave so He could be the King that saves the world.
ReplyDeleteHow different our birth condition from Jesus' -- he in a cave, most people today, in a hospital room. ( I was born in a cold Minnesota bedroom Dec. 31) He, only with mom and foster dad. Today, a child is surrounded by medical helpers, parents, grandparents, family, friends.
St. Paul sums it up, 'Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He become poor so that through His poverty you might become rich".
Poor Jesus! -physically poor, exchanging His rich perfection for my impoverished spirit; bearing my sin, gracing me with His righteousness;
filling my empty soul with the fullness of His Spirit; suffering hell so I could experience heaven. Praise God for His poverty! Thank God for my riches. h.a.h.
Harold, you quote from 2 Corinthians 8 where Paul invites his congregation to share with the poor brothers and sisters of Jerusalem. This enriching poverty of Christ is the source of such wondrous sharing all over the world, especially at Christmas. We love and share because He first loved and gave His everything for us.
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