For God So Loved the world that he was BORN

Most of us do our best to avoid uncomfortable or painful situations. It is why some people will let their teeth fall out instead of going to the dentist. It's why some have advanced cancer before they ever go to the doctor. It is why some people don't get out of the house or socialize much. We just don't like unpleasant situations. That is one reason God built in this defense mechanism called "forgetting." Just think about some of the terrible things that we went through as a child that we no longer remember. Imagine being less than two foot tall and about twenty pounds; you're in the doctor's office and strangers are holding you down sticking these painful needles into your arms... or worse! You look over to your mom as if to beg for help but she stands there with tears in her eyes, approving of what these doctors are doing to you. It is a good thing we forget. Worse than that was the actual birth experience. We went from a warm, quiet and safe place into a cold, bright and loud place- most of us went kicking and screaming all the way! None of us would want to experience that again. That is why Nicodemus was so confused in John 3 when Jesus told he him that he must be "born again." He, like us, wanted no part of that!

In fact, there has only been one person who willing went through all of that. Jesus is the only person in the history of the universe who knew he was going to be born before he was born. He knew all about the unpleasantries, the vulnerabilities, the dangers and the unsterile environment into which he would be born. He also knew that the road would lead from that manger to the cross. Yet he went through with it. God willingly chose to confine himself in human form. He came to show us how to live and to save us from our sins. What a gift! For God so loved the world ... that he was born into it! That is what this season is all about. Merry Christmas!