“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'” (Luke 2: 15)

Several years ago Deborah and I attended a Neil Diamond concert. Although he was still quite popular his career was in decline. That his career had crested didn't matter so much to me because it was his earlier music I most enjoyed. Judging by the huge crowd that had gathered to hear him, others held a similar sentiment. We all gathered into the auditorium and the lucky ones had a seat nearer the stage. On the other hand, Deborah and I were far from the stage and high up above most of the mass of people in attendance.

From our distant vantage point we could not only see Neil but we could see the backs of most of the others. Even though we were far from the stage we were happy to be there and to see him, if only at a distance.
 
During the concert I noticed that some people had brought binoculars with them. I suppose that isn't unusual but it is something I would not ever have thought about bringing. There's nothing wrong with what they did; it just never entered my mind. Even some of those who were close to the stage watched Neil through binoculars. It was quite clear these fans wanted to see Neil sing. However, human vanity being what it is, Neil jokingly remarked that the binoculars were a concern to him since he was convinced he looked much better at a distance. We all laughed, of course, and I don't know about the rest of the crowd but I didn't really think he believed that!

But it is true isn't it…distance sometimes improves the view. Most of us have had the experience of meeting a person and our immediate impression is favorable enough, but after a very brief time we come to see that less is better. Something about them doesn't ring true or perhaps they are shallow and self-absorbed, little more than a walking, talking display of vanity.

Christmas stands in brilliant contrast to that kind of experience. For over 2,000 years Jesus has invited us to come close, take a good look. The message of the angel to the shepherds caused them to go quickly to Bethlehem and check out this new baby. They stepped right up near the manger, stooped over, probably touched him and then stood by watching him breath. They got close. Do you know what they concluded? “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:20)

This Christmas let's take a closer look at Jesus. Let us hear again, really listen again, to the words of the angel as we are told: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10-11)

From that time to this, billions upon billions of people have come to this Jesus and concluded that the closer we get to Jesus the better He looks. The more we know Him, the more we want to know; and the closer we walk with Him the more we praise God for this wonderful gift of our Savior.

Look closely at Jesus and this will be a joyful Christmas.
 

Grace and peace,


David