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As I ponder Jesus at his birth, I’m overwhelmed with the magnitude of what happened in this moment of incarnation. The moment that history split in half and became “the Year of our Lord”. 

So much could be said. So much should be said. He is so worthy of our songs sung loud and joyously, so worthy of all the adoration of our hearts. Jesus at his birth; we could pause here a very long time, overcome with awe, wonder, and thanksgiving. 

But then I draw in a little closer and notice an obvious but oh so important detail. Look! He’s revealed to us as a baby, rather than bursting on the scenes as a fully grown man like John the Baptist, or even a youth like David. He comes to us as a baby, a tender, wee newborn. Why is that? 

God who longed for relationship with man, knew that we couldn’t come near to him, so he came near to us. As God puts on human flesh to be among us he chooses to come in THE singularly most approachable, accessible, even magnetic form of human flesh that there is— a baby. Every heart turns toward a newborn, there is a universal impulse to celebrate them, notice them, welcome them. Babies arrest our attention. 

I believe this speaks to us of God’s intention. He is making himself as approachable as possible, utterly endearing, with none of the barriers to relationship that could be there if he had been revealed at other stages of life. Jesus is signaling to us that he is absolutely available to us and welcoming us into relationship. 

When he comes near, he does it beautifully. 

So this little thought, is for me a fresh revelation of his tenderness, love, and invitation, I hope it is for you as well.