The Christmas Season is over. Christmas cards have come and gone. Nativity sets are taken down, and baby Jesus is put in a box labeled: Crèche. Christmas trees are removed; their decorations boxed and packed away for another year. Christmas music ceases continual play on media stations or in the mall stores. Joy to the World is plunged back into the world of sorrow and darkness. All that’s left is to wave goodbye? The Story seems to come to an end.
Yet, The Story Continues. The wise men, unlike the shepherds, may have been late to celebrate the occasion of the baby’s birth, but there still was time to worship him – “the one born king of the Jews.” Led by a star they got to Bethlehem, to the house where the child was abiding. The world into which he had been born was filled with corruption and violent political unrest. Nothing was safe. So much was this so, that at the honorable visitation of the Magi, the young child and family soon had to escape to a foreign country; migrating until it was safe to return. The story of Jesus could have ended there.
However, His story was just becoming History. Years later upon their return to Israel, being directed to the area of Galilee and their own town of Nazareth,“The child grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52). Upon reaching qualifiable age of 30 to be a priest, teacher or rabbi, Jesus began his ministry. Led by the Spirit out into the wilderness then back into the wild, from testing before God to teaching before Man, from country to cross, his ministry was a 3-year long and winding road to Jerusalem. What a story it was!
The story was epic. The once little babe in a manger would “become great and called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). As Savior and the Sacrifice Lamb he would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Rather than a Kingly crown, the world gave him a crown of thorns, rather than a Royal robe, a bloodied robe of mockery, rather than honored sandals and ring, dishonorable Roman nails to pierce his hands and feet. From Christmas to Easter – the purpose for his coming, cost him everything. The End… No! The Story didn’t close with the Gospels, nor with Acts, nor with the Paul’s letters in the Scriptures.
The Story Continued through the centuries. It is a Living Story passed on through the lives of those whose hearts, one by one, were transformed by the truths found in it’s contents. More so for us now, is this transforming work by God the Son, incarnate, by the power of God the Holy Spirit, all at the loving behest of God the Father. The Life and Light Who came into our world, born to us – Jesus Christ, Savior, & Lord is now life and light abiding in us who, by faith, abide in Him. And what of The Story?
The Story must not only be told once a year but lived all through the year. For some, it is a sentimental story. Yet for others, it is monumental. Which is it for you? The days may be short, and the nights cold and dark. But where is your Hope, and where does the Light given you shine for others? For me, for you, The Story Continues.
—RWO/MAST
Comments by Ric Ochsner