Disturbed by Love
December 20, 2022
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:1-2)
Jesus did not come into the world quietly. Yes, his birth took place in an obscure place, Bethlehem, as opposed to say, Jerusalem, and it took place at night when most of those in the vicinity were asleep. But in other respects His entrance into the world was ‘loud’ – that is, spectacular and impactful. A star announced it in advance to the whole world, drawing wise men from distant lands; angels filled the sky with heavenly music and, as seen in this passage, it caused a stir throughout Jerusalem. Herod and the whole city were ‘disturbed’ by it.
We can imagine the discussions in the streets and in the homes about this new king. What would he be like? Could he replace Herod? Little did they know that the implications were far bigger than they could imagine. This was the most disturbing event in history – disturbing in a good way. To disturb, according to the dictionary, is to “interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of;” certainly true of this astounding event.
This was a birth like no another. God the creator was entering His own creation. Our minds cannot fathom the mechanics of such a thing. How did he ‘squeeze’ his eternal self down into a mortal frame, becoming a baby in a human womb? Boggles the mind . . . but gladdens the heart. God thought so highly of us, loved us so much that he would mount this massive initiative for our rescue. The world would never be the same. Jesus came to earth in search of us, his lost brothers and sisters, to bring us back home, to rescue us from captivity to sin and Satan, to repair the strained relationship between us and our Father, God. What a tremendous undertaking. What a huge sacrifice. What generosity. What love.
And yet He is not universally accepted. Many are suspicious or disbelieving of God’s love for them. It is hard for some to trust this great news. Even those of us who are in relationship with God don’t always get just how much He loves us. The brokenness of the world has made cynics of us all. The Christmas story is a reminder of the transcendent. A baby can be born to a virgin, angels can appear, love can be absolute. If there is only one thing that’s NOT too good to be true, this is it: GOD IS LOVE and we can trust that love. Paul tries to help us with this in his letter to the Romans:
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along
with him, graciously give us all things? Rom 8:32
God’s love is so deep it’s unfathomable (Eph 3:18-19) and nothing can separate us from it (Rom 8:35-39). It never runs out and never gives up on us. Amazing!
This Christmas may we grow in our realisation and acceptance of God’s love. May we celebrate God’s disturbing, transcendent presence and may our celebrations be ‘loud’ so that those around us will know of this extraordinary event and be led like the wise men, to worship Him.
Love came down at Christmas
1. Love came down at Christmas,
love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
star and angels gave the sign.
2. Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, Love divine;
worship we our Jesus,
but wherewith for sacred sign?
3. Love shall be our token;
love be yours and love be mine;
love to God and others,
love for plea and gift and sign.
Christina Rossetti (1885)
