On this Christmas morning, I’m reminded of Christ’s divine invasion on the world. Last night, we sat the kids down (whatever that means with a toddler) and turned our eyes towards the story of Christ’s birth. I read The Jesus Storybook Bible to my children:
“And there, in the stable, amongst the chickens and the donkeys and the cows, in the quiet of the night, God gave the world his wonderful gift. The baby that would change the world was born. His baby Son.”
The savior of the world — Emmanuel, God with us — invaded our privacy. He stepped into our hopeless mess and provided a way back to Him, when there was no other way.
We attended New Life Church in Colorado Springs this weekend and pastor Glenn Packiam told a story of his son confessing to him that he felt his “heart was dark”. When Glenn realized what his son was saying, he asked if his wanted to let God remove that dark heart. In an instant, that prayer provided a divine invasion in that child’s soul.
My heart needs it too.
It’s so easy to go cerebral and focus on all the incessant demands of the day. But when I acknowledge that not only our world but also my heart was “divinely invaded” by Jesus, a peace is restored and a weight is lifted. His divine invasion occurred some 2,000 years ago in a small manger, but it also occurs each time I turn my thoughts towards Him and re-surrender before the Lord.
When is the last time you had a “divine invasion”? Are you due?
God, you love us so much, despite all our iniquity. We fight you and disobey you all day long, yet you still pursue, and I don’t always understand why. But I’m thankful, because I can’t do it on my own. And once more, I invite you to be my Emmanuel. You are with me now and desire to be with me forever. Forgive my “dark heart” and draw my will and emotions to bless and enjoy you at all times. May you get the glory this Christmas day.