Hosanna Restoration Church

Just one look; that’s all it took. Anyone remember that song? If you have ever heard the story of Christmas you have heard these verses. First it was the shepherds who came to see what the angels had told them about. Just one look at Jesus sent them away rejoicing. In Matthew it was wise men that traveled following a star and with only one look; they left their gifts and headed back home considering the trip well worth it.
I wonder how often I glanced at Jesus before I actually looked at Him. In this season of the celebration of the birth of Christ we have the normal bantering going on about the commercialization and the real meaning and what is appropriate to say and the list goes on. The bible does point out that the very mention of the name of Jesus is offensive to some. I wonder how we can help; how can we get people to look.
Have you looked at Jesus? How often do I glance rather than look because I know that if I look it may interfere with my plans, I just glance so I can feel like I checked with Him first?
I feel a bit like I am rambling here. That is because I did not start to write this thinking I was going to be sorting it out as I went. I knew that the first time I really looked at Jesus I was hooked. I knew that Christmas knowing Jesus was so different amazing that I would never be the same, but I had not thought of how guilty I probably am of failing to look. Ok. Not a problem. Easily fixed; let’s move on.
So about the offense of Jesus; let Him take it. When we get all bent out of shape and offended, we are more like the king who wanted to know where He was so he could kill Jesus than the Wise men who were seeking Him. By all means, say “Merry Christmas” but make sure you are Merry and not sticking it in like a dagger!
Be merciful to those who are deceived. Be grateful that you have looked. We are celebrating the victory of God. Jesus came to save the world not condemn it! How you respond may shed some light on whether or not you have really looked or just glanced at Jesus before you acted!
Sorry, I wanted this to be a happy dance! That was what the angels were doing. That was what the shepherds did. That was the wise men’s reaction. So let the happy begin!
Rejoice! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give all glory unto Him. No matter what comes up in life; look at Him. Let the world see that you take time to look at Him. Let Him know that you are depending on Him. Let Him show you that He never fails. Just take one more look before you act. MERRY CHRISTMAS!