God's Glory Church

“Not even His brothers believed in Him.” — John 7:5

The Barker family Christmas video was perfect. Three shepherds in wide robes (younger sons) were sitting around a fire on a green lawn. Suddenly, an angel came down from the top of the hill – their older sister, who looked beautiful, except that the pink sneakers did not match the general picture. The background music became more intense, the shepherds looked at the sky in amazement. A path that stretched through the lawn led them to the baby – their little brother, who was lying in a barn of modern design. Now the older sister played the role of Maria.

Then there were “additional materials” that were not included in the main film. Children complained: “I’m cold!” “I want to go to the toilet!” “Go home!” The mother asked several times: “Children, get together!” The reality was far from perfect.

We tend to think of the Christmas story as a well-edited movie. However, the real life of Jesus was far from that. Envious Herod tried to kill the Baby (Mt. 2:13). Mary and Joseph did not understand Him (Luke 2:41-50). The world hated Him (John 7:7). For some time, “even His brothers did not believe in Him” ​​(v. 5). Jesus’ ministry ended with a terrible death. However, He endured all this to glorify His Father and save us.

The video of the Barker family ends with the words of Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14:6). This is the reality we can live in. Forever.

Have you tried to imagine your life as ideal? How can you better realize your need for the perfect power of Jesus?

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to provide me with a way for eternal reconciliation with you.

Author: Tim Gustavson