TCL's Christmas Message - He Was One Of Us

 The Word became flesh!

Do you know why among other reasons that’s so profound? It’s because God knows what it’s like to actually be a human being. God has experienced first-hand everything you and I have experienced. He was born of a woman. He worked with his hands. He got tired and needed rest. He enjoyed companionship. He experienced hunger and required food. Many times he had to flee from those who wanted to harm him. He wept with sadness. He took part in celebrations, even providing the wine for the party. He endured temptation and experienced abandonment from people he loved. He suffered immense physical pain and agony at the hands of the Romans. He was tormented and laughed at. Ultimately he experienced death. He was fully human and he knows exactly what that feels like in every way.

What a beautiful thing. We have a God who knows what it’s like to be one of us! We can’t ever accuse God of “living in a bubble.” He told us we can call upon his name any time and he will deliver us and walk by our side. He assured all of us who are weary and burdened to come to him and he will give us rest. He told us he was gentle and humble in heart, that drawing close to him we will find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.

At the center of his teaching is to love God and love our neighbor as we do ourselves. That’s something profound and important too. When we live in harmony with God and neighbor we can not only draw strength and comfort from God, but from one another as well! We can assure one another, love one another, care for one another, bear one another’s burdens and share one another’s joy! We will experience troubles in this world but God has provided us with everything we need to survive and thrive. The more we love God and neighbor the easier this life becomes. Love is the final solution! Love wins!

"For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” -- Matthew 12:50

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