“Where is He?” the wise men asked Herod two thousand years ago. They had traveled far to see Him of whom they had read in the Old Testament Scriptures. They knew that the Scriptures testified of One to be born who was called "a star out of Jacob,” the “rose of Sharon,” the “lily of the valley,” “the bright and morning star,” “the Prince of peace,” “the Mighty God,” “the everlasting Father,” and scores of other names and titles in the Holy Writ. Though coming from far beyond the borders of Israel, these men knew of the glorious nature and character of that One who was to be born “King of the Jews.” Herod, with all of his counselors, was caught unaware of this all important event.
How like Herod are so many of us today! All around us there is celebration. We sing the carols and other songs of Christmas. Many people enter into the spirit of giving and have a desire for “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Yet if asked, “Where is He?” many of us would have to admit we do not know. Perhaps we lost Him in the exhausting bustle of Christmas activities. Maybe we forgot Him while planning, practicing or attending Christmas programs. Could it be that the endless shopping, with its spending worries and overabundance of traffic, has diverted us from focusing on the Person this season is all about? Where is Christ in your priorities this Christmas?
The birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ is the greatest demonstration of love that will ever be known. In the greatest of humility, the Creator identified Himself with us, His creation. The immortal and invisible One took on a body of flesh. The Eternal One subjected Himself to time and gave Himself as the ransom for our sin. He offers forgiveness and everlasting fellowship to those who believe on Him. While we are busy with the events of the Christmas season, may we not lose focus on the great condescension of our Savior Who “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Few fully understand the significance of the birth of that mysterious, miraculous Christ child. May God use us to tell these glorious truths while the world pauses to look toward Bethlehem!
As we give and receive gifts, let us think of God's gift of eternal life that He purchased for us with the death of the One whose birth we are celebrating. While admiring the lovely decorated Christmas trees, may we remember that our Savior gave Himself on a tree so we might receive forgiveness of sin and have fellowship with God. When expressing our wishes of peace and good will during this season, may we speak of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Christmas season, let us not be caught unaware of the whereabouts of Christ. If someone asks us as the wise men asked Herod, “Where is He?” may we be able to answer, “He is here, in the center of my life.”