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By J. Paul Thompson
MT. PROSPECT, IL (December 13, 2005) - Editor's note: In preparation for
the Christmas observance, Covenant Communications is sharing devotionals
that originally appeared in local church newsletters. The following
comes from pastor J. Paul Thompson of Northwest Covenant Church.
Many people travel during December. While attending Wheaton College in
Illinois, I traveled back and forth to Toronto, Ontario, a couple times
during the school year. There was something special about traveling home
for Christmas. There was always such a buzz at O'Hare Airport with so
many people flying home for the holidays.
The greatest distance anyone has ever traveled at Christmas was Jesus.
Now I don't want to get too theological over this point, discussing
things like, "Where is heaven?" But the "gulf" that was bridged on this
first Christmas was not just from Nazareth to Bethlehem (the distance
Mary and Joseph traveled), but rather between the finite and the
infinite. God, who created the entire universe, now entered into his
creation. We cannot measure this distance. Even if we were able to build
a bridge of infinite length, we would never be able to reach God. It is
not a matter of distance - it is a totally different realm.
A familiar Christmas hymn begins with these words: Thou didst leave
Thy throne and Thy kingly crown when Thou camest to earth for me, but in
Bethlehem's home there was found no room for Thy holy nativity.
Another hymn that speaks of bridging this great divide ends with this
refrain: Out of the ivory palaces into a world of woe, only His
great, eternal love made my Savior go.
Whenever I would arrive home at Christmas, my parents would always say,
"Thanks so much for traveling so far to be with us." And I would always
respond, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world." This Christmas
don't forget how great the love of God is that sent Jesus to earth so
many years ago. Don't forget to thank Him for "making the trip." It was
the greatest distance ever traveled. That's how much God love you.
(Editor's note: to read earlier Advent messages, please see:
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