Out Our Way: See for yourself! - Hebrews 1-3

   Out our way, there is such incredible beauty and majesty to be enjoyed and absorbed, but until you have seen it for yourself, you cannot really appreciate it. How can someone from New York City or L.A., for example, understand what the "Big Open" is until they see it for themselves?

Years ago, Andy Rooney on CBS's "60 Minutes," did a commentary on state slogans, and when he came to Montana, he scoffed. "Big Sky Country? They have the same sky as everyone else." Clearly he had never been to Montana. Indeed, later when he put together a book made up of many of his commentaries, I noticed that in the edited version of that particular episode, he left out that statement. Seems he had finally come to Montana and seen for himself why we call it "Big Sky Country." His ridicule for the slogan was quickly dashed by the reality he now saw.

For many folks, Christmas ended after the presents under the tree were opened, and many took down their decorations on New Year's Day and put them away until next year. Sadly, the decorations and big sales are all they know, for they are as ignorant of "the reason for the season" as Andy Rooney was of the Big Sky.

Indeed, many Christians are not really aware of the full magnitude of Christ's birth. They celebrate the Virgin Birth in a Bethlehem Stable but forget why the Birth took place. Some skip from Christmas to Easter, seeing the Birth as the offering of sacrifice for our sins and missing the rest of the Story. Yes, Christ came to die for us and restore us to God - very true - but there is so much more to it that far too many people, including church folks, have missed.

I was reading a commentary by Rueben Job who put together a series of "Guides to Prayer" for the Upper Room publishers. He reminded me that Christ became the conduit by which we can "come and see for ourselves" the image of God. Even with the Hubble telescope in space that allows us to see light years of the universe we had never seen before, we still see but a small portion of creation. The utter concept of infinity is beyond our ability to comprehend. If we cannot comprehend the infinite universe, how can we possibly comprehend the infinite Creator? Our finite minds simply cannot absorb the infinite. 

So Who is God? What is God like? How can we even begin to comprehend God? Well, that is what Christmas celebrates: The Infinite becoming finite and allowing us to "see for ourselves." In the Person of Jesus, God has become known in a way we can comprehend and understand. Read the Gospels and see that Jesus did not just preach the Good News; He embodied it. "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). And to those who aren't sure if they believe that, "Come and see" (John 1:39).

Who is God? What is God like? What does God want of me? Come and see for yourself. Like Andy Rooney, you may be surprised! 

Be blessed and be a blessing!

--

Brother John Bruington