ANTICIPATING GOD IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON (A Daily Advent Devotional)
Over the next few days till Christmas I would like you to take a journey with me in anticipation. Let's daily look at the events leading up to the birth of Christ with a sense of anticipation of His arrival into this world and into our lives. (Inspired by the Book "The Miraculous Journey" by Marty A. Bullis).
Mark 1:9-11 (ESV) 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Do you ever wonder about Joseph’s first words to Jesus? Do you wonder how he greeted this young miracle? Joseph’s holy dream provided him some time to contemplate the wonder of this child conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, who was not Joseph’s flesh, who was not given to him as a natural son, the child he is called to protect and for whom he becomes a legal guardian – what does he say to this child? We hope for a word of wonder. We hope Joseph was not resentful or unenthusiastic. We want a word of celebration for this baby – a smiling, leaping, light-the cigars fatherly greeting.
The relationship between Joseph and Jesus isn’t given much play, however. The Gospels emphasize a different relationship, the relationship with another parent – the Father who hung the moon and the stars. This is the relationship we all long for no matter how good our earthly fathers were and are.
Mark gives us the first recorded words of the Heavenly Father to the Son. It’s a perfect greeting that includes an affirmation of family, an assurance of love and an encouraging word about the Son’s work. The Father says, “You’re a part of me, My Son. I love you and I’m happy with what you’ve become.”
God’s love-words point us back to Christ’s growing up years. Jesus couldn’t have come to the Jordan, He couldn’t have received such affirmation, without a fruitful past. He has become a man in the fullest sense of the word, and His Father is proud. God accepted Him just as He was - "You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
God throws Jesus an impromptu party, with celebratory display (a ripped-open heaven), and a gift (the Holy Spirit coming upon Him like a dove).
It is no different with you or I - coming to God with a heart to know and love Him - imperfect as that may be. We move toward Him in relationship and are so blessed to hear those words, "You are my beloved son or daughter in whom I am well pleased." Let the arms of God wrap around you today and say, "You are my beloved."
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