"Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot; like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned out backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed."
Isaiah 53:1-5
God came to earth, knowing that we would reject him, and eventually kill him. He sent his precious son into earth as a helpless baby boy that first Christmas long ago, knowing that we would break his heart so that our hearts could become whole.
Every time I read these verses I am awed by the sacrifice God made to "save a wretch like me." He didn't have to save me; I certainly didn't deserve it. But He loves me. This powerful love inspires tears of gratitude to a God who will carry me and protect me and love me forever.
And then I want to do something for Him, yet all He asks of me is to love Him back. During the Christmas season I am reminded of this indescribable sacrifice God made because of the powerful love He has for me.
Don't forget this Christmas of the tiny bundle of love sent to earth to be the Savior of the world--Jesus Christ.
Wonderful. :) Great reminder.
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