…but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.
1 Corinthians 1:27 NASB
Paradox (noun): a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.
Most of us love a baby. The sweet smell, the softness of their head against our cheeks, their cuddly nature. However, babies are also known as being weak, even fragile. They are helpless without the nurture of a parent and demand every ounce of our attention.
During a regular dog-walking session, I began pondering this and suddenly found myself laughing out loud. Even in God’s weakest state, He is stronger than any world power, dictator, government, or any other agent that desires to take His throne. I began thinking of all the English teachers around the globe who aren’t allowed to share the gospel with their students, but are allowed to share about a baby born in a manger. My mind then pondered upon the countless leaders throughout the centuries who desired to be a god or create a kingdom that would last throughout the ages, who are now mere artifacts in archeological digs, and more honestly not known by most today. I think of our modern leaders and the pride they hold at thinking they can control people, governments and other nations. We as a people may never cease to put ourselves up high, which is why God came down low. To show us the reality of our lowly estate and the insignificance of our even greatest efforts.
The Incarnation of God as a baby is one of history’s greatest paradoxes. The Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, who wields the powers to bring Being from emptiness and to destroy that which He makes Himself known to us as one of the world’s most fragile of creatures–a baby.
This Christmas I wish you all the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love that God offers, but most of all I hope you will grasp how significant and bold a statement God made to our world on Christmas morning. He is the Prince of Peace, but He did not come to bring Peace. He’s declaring himself King, Lord over all Creation, taking His rightful place and He’s being so bold as to do so from a lowly, straw-covered, animal-filled manger.
May the weak continue to shame the wise. May we continue to stand firm in our faith knowing God’s greatness as well as His great love for us in that we are a people are worth fighting for.
