TOO BIZARRE TO IMAGINE
Photo courtesy of PX Merch
The annals of history are filled with bizarre events such as these:
In 1919 a massive wave of molasses swept through Boston, killing twenty-one people and injuring 150 others.
In the “dancing plague” of 1518, dozens of residents of Strasbourg, France danced uncontrollably for days. Many collapsed from exhaustion or died.
In 897 a deceased pope was put on trial where his corpse was propped up in court.
Yes, these facts are bizarre. But all the amazing events of history pale in comparison to three simple words. Three short words we use daily. Yet when put together, they form perhaps the most astounding phrase ever uttered: “God … with … us.” Matthew 1:23 states, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’”).
The implications are too inconceivable to imagine—the Infinite God, confined in the body of an infant. The Creator learned to walk, talk, dress himself, and go to the bathroom. How do we get our minds around such a bizarre thought? It has no reference point in history; nothing with which to compare.
His fingers, too weak to form a fist had carved the mountains. His legs, powerless to support his body, had danced among galaxies. His lips, unable to form words, had spoken the universe into existence. For some, it’s seems too crazy to believe. But to me, it’s too crazy not to believe! No one could make this up.
It comes down to this. You’re so precious in God’s sight, he left heaven, put on flesh, and allowed himself to be tortured and executed, so we could live with him forever. It’s at the tip-top of the most bizarre events in history. Nothing else comes close. And even more amazing, if you accept it, your life will be changed forever.
Ponder:
Spend time meditating on the incarnation of Jesus. What thoughts come to mind?
What words come to mind when you attempt to describe the Christmas story?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Matthew 1:18-25.
Almighty God, my mind can’t possibly grasp the idea of you becoming man. I worship and praise you for this incomparable event which defies imagination.
My Christmas devotional, The Perfect Gift, is available through Our Daily Bread, or you can order here: https://a.co/d/7Ho1vqm