Musings on a Figure of the Infant Christ
Just because the calendar says it’s mid-January does not mean I am done with Christmas! It’s not just because the beautiful decorations will have to be put away. I didn’t put out much of the knick-knackery I have. My decorating was simple and very purposeful this year. I wanted to create a few beautiful focus-points as reminders of what we truly celebrate. If we stop thinking about what happened on that star- and angel-studded night just because the calendar says Lent is coming, we may miss out on something wonderful.
I have an almost life-size figure of the Christ Child that by Christmas morning replaced the paper-and-ink Word of God in the simple manger. As my mind dwells on the wonder of His gift, I must add a few things that draw attention to what my heart sees: a few star-like lights veiled in burlap surround the simple manger; a lighted star that used to be a tree topper hangs from the ceiling and drapes the window behind the display with gauzy gold glory.
Today I will lay our collection of White House Historical Society ornaments on the burlap that is under the manger.
Our God is Ruler of all rulers. All authority is established by Him, or it doesn’t exist. One of our favorite prophecies about the coming Messiah says, “the government will be upon His shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6) Daniel reports the words of the voice from heaven: “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” (Daniel 4:32)
No one can give what he does not possess.
Today, the Child in the manger, who does not change and whose years never end (Hebrews 1:12) and who has nothing outside His control, even though we don’t yet see it , will receive from us adoration and worship, because He rules in our hearts and home as King. We will place the symbols of the kingdoms of this world at the foot of the manger in faith, and trust in His word:
You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. -Hebrews 2:7-8
Here is our safety and security: GOD RULES!
We do not need to worry or throw a fit. We need to submit to His rulership, and trust in His strength and power. And just in case you feel like you must give in to the temptation to worry, or be fearful or anxious, I found this treasure this morning:
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. -Hebrews 2:18
Now there’s somebody worth
Following every day in the everyday,
Christi
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