Many people fear God. They believe he’s as approachable as King Kong. It’s no wonder. After all, they recall the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai where God revealed himself with, “thunder and lightning flashes, and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp trembled” (Exodus 19:16). A God that could create and control thunder, lightning and clouds doesn’t seem inviting.
On another occasion the oxen carrying the ark of God stumbled and a man irreverently reached out to stabilize the ark. Immediately, God struck him dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Such a violent punishment gives the impression that reaching out to God is like stepping in front of a train.
Apart from those stories people have the idea that all sorts of religious hoops must be jumped through to reach God. Such misconceptions are laid to rest in a manger, in a stable, in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Who could be more approachable than an infant? Who could be less threatening than a swaddled child with hands secured at his side? Who invites affection more than a newborn baby?
You see, don’t you? God entered our world as a baby because he wanted us to know he’s approachable. This Christmas as you contemplate the Christ child—reach out to God and touch him.
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