When this time of the year comes around, I am filled with sweet and bitter emotions. It is not because I've had good and bad Christmas experiences in the past, but because of my reflection on the day (or what it symbolizes, the birth of Christ). In the history of the chosen people, Israelites, the hand of God was seen time after time. There was no one group of people that had been more loved by the Creator Himself than the children of Israel. Despite Israelites' failure to recognize His love, the Lord loved them unconditionally and passionately. However, all of God's great works were done by His invisible hands. No one could have told you what to picture in your mind when you thinking of God. Yes, the Lord had tried to reveal Himself intimately to Israelites, but they fled from His presence because of their sins. Very few got to understand the heart and character of the Creator. The situation was even worse for Gentiles. It was extremely difficult for them to get to know the Holy One.
But one day, everything changed. Read the rest of this entry »