...He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

Premieres and Presidents, Kings and important rulers have bodyguards to keep them separate and safe from their people.

That's a fact of life.

Still, I remember reading a story about a 16th-century Belgian monarch who was the exception to that rule. He had the custom of disappearing from his palace, donning a disguise and going out to visit with his people.

Every time he did that, the people at the palace begged him to stop putting his life at risk by indulging in such a strange and dangerous activity.

The king's reply to his friends is memorable. He said, "I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live." I think I would have liked that guy. I know that more people in power ought to do that kind of thing... they ought to find out how their people live.

Really, wouldn't you have a better workplace if your boss knew the things you are going through?

Might not governments be more understanding if the leaders understood the problems and plight of their people?

Yes, things might change, IF that happened.

Still, I am thankful that the most important Person in my life, in all of our lives, did decide to "walk among us." Jesus did not walk among us as an Outsider or as an uninvolved Observer. Christmas reminds us that Jesus really, actually became One of us. The Savior's birth tells us that Jesus has come to live, die, and rise, not just to understand us... but to save us.

In this He is wonderfully unique. A Savior manifested in the flesh... St. Paul said, He should be 'proclaimed among the nations.'

I say, such a loving Lord ought to be proclaimed in our hearts.

Which is what worship is all about, isn't it?


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear God, it was Your love which sent Jesus into this world, not to observe us, but to save us. For His sacrifice and victorious rising, we have been given forgiveness, eternal life, and joy. Thank You for sending Your Son to walk among us. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 74-76    Revelation 5

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