We live in an era of unprecedented communication, yet we often suffer from a profound sense of isolation. We send texts, we post updates, an...
We live in an era of unprecedented communication, yet we often suffer from a profound sense of isolation. We send texts, we post updates, and we "like" photos, but true connection feels rare. Many people feel this way about God, too—that He is a distant force, a silent observer, or a cosmic rule-maker far removed from the messiness of our daily lives.
However, the readings for Christmas Day shatter this illusion of distance. They tell the story of a God who refused to let the gap between Heaven and Earth remain. If we look closely at Isaiah, Hebrews, and John, we find a God who Spoke, Showed, and Stayed.
1. God SPOKE (The Revelation)
Based on Hebrews 1:1-2
"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways... In these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son."
For centuries, humanity tried to decipher who God was. We had fragments, hints, and whispers through prophets and signs. But fragments can be misunderstood.
The first miracle of Christmas is that God broke the silence definitively. He didn't send another memo; He sent His Voice.
In relationships, silence is often the first sign of a breakdown. When we stop talking, we drift apart. God refused to let humanity drift. By sending Jesus—the "Word"—God initiated a conversation of love that can never be silenced.
The Lesson: You are not talking to a void. You are heard, and God has spoken a word of love directly to your heart.
2. God SHOWED (The Incarnation)
Based on Isaiah 52:10 and John 1:14
"All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God." (Isaiah)
"And the Word became flesh..." (John)
Words are powerful, but presence is everything. You can tell someone "I love you" over the phone, but it pales in comparison to showing up at their door when they are grieving or celebrating.
The theological term is "Incarnation," but in simple English, it means God Showed Up. He didn't just tell us He is light; He came down to light the candle Himself. He didn't just tell us to be humble; He showed us by lying in a manger. He took on a face, hands, and a human heart so that "God" would no longer be an abstract concept, but a Person we could behold.
The Lesson: Love is not just a sentiment; it is a visible presence. God proved His love by becoming visible in the vulnerability of a child.
3. God STAYED (The Solidarity)
Based on John 1:14
"And made his dwelling among us."
This is the most comforting "S" of all. The original Greek text in John’s Gospel literally translates to: "He pitched his tent among us."
Guests visit and leave. Tourists come, take photos, and go home. But God came to Stay. He pitched His tent in the mud of human history. He didn't descend, fix our problems with a magic wand, and ascend immediately. He grew up, He worked, He ate, He suffered, and He died.
This corresponds to the Cebuano concept of Duyog (accompaniment). It means God is not a "helicopter parent" hovering above; He is a companion walking beside. When you are suffering, you are not suffering alone; the God who stayed is right there in the trench with you.
The Lesson: You are never alone. The Christmas promise is not just for December 25th; it is the promise of a permanent Resident in your life.
If this is how God loved us, this is also the blueprint for how we should celebrate Christmas and live our lives. The challenge for us today is to mirror the Divine:
SPEAK: Don't let silence rule your relationships. Speak words of forgiveness, gratitude, and affirmation to those around you today.
SHOW: Don't just text "Merry Christmas." Show up. Be present. Put the phone down and give your full attention to the people in front of you. Let your love be visible in service.
STAY: Don't be a fair-weather friend. Stay with people when they are hurting. Stay faithful when things get difficult. Be a source of stability in a chaotic world.
The message of the Manger is simple: The distance is gone.
The God who Spoke truth, Showed his face, and Stayed with us is here.
Merry Christmas!
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