He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,
the world did not recognize him. (John 1:10)
Many years ago I taught high school English in my hometown of Bedford, Indiana. Both sides of my family had lived in the area for generations and were well-respected in the town; I benefited from my family’s good reputation. Years later, I worked in a different community where my family was unknown. When I faced rejection and misunderstanding there, I often longed for my home town, where I had been accepted and loved.
If I missed home, imagine how Jesus must have felt when He was “despised and rejected by mankind” (Isaiah 53:3a NIV). As we celebrate the Christmas season, we see Christ’s coming to earth from our perspective. Because He came, we have forgiveness, grace, the power of the Holy Spirit in us, and a sure hope of eternal life with Him. But let’s consider Christmas from Jesus’ perspective.
In Revelation John saw a vision Christ in heaven, His true home. There He is honored and praised:
In a loud voice they were saying:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12 NIV)
Imagine leaving this home to come to earth as a newborn baby, into a world where He would suffer insults, rejection, ridicule, and ultimately death by crucifixion. And yet, He came, knowing what He would have to endure for our sake.
This Christmas, let’s consider what it meant for Jesus to leave His throne in heaven and come to earth to die so that we can have eternal life. Matthew West’s “Leaving Heaven” gives a unique perspective on Jesus’ sacrifice in coming to earth. You can hear the song here.
