Jesus keeps showing up

On Christmas, Jesus changed his shape and took on human sinew. Every Dec. 25 since then, we’re reminded of the story of God performing this divine spectacle in the Palestinian sheep fields. If it seems magical in a way to us humans, it’s all the more so when God performs the same trick…

By Seth Barnes

25 December 2010, 12:12 am

By Seth Barnes

25 December 2010, 12:12 am

On Christmas, Jesus changed his shape and took on human sinew. Every Dec. 25 since then, we’re reminded of the story of God performing this divine spectacle in the Palestinian sheep fields.

If it seems magical in a way to us humans, it’s all the more so when God performs the same trick over and over again through those of us who, in following Jesus, have taken on his form to an unsuspecting world.

Mother Teresa spoke of looking for Jesus in the faces of those she touched. One day as she held a dying man and looked into his eyes, she suddenly saw Jesus and he said, “At last, you found me.”

After the Tsunami hit India and washed away people and homes, we worked with a pastor named Anand who reported back to me: “I was able to help 95 people with packets of rice, seasoning for the rice, blankets, cloth for clothing, and some clean water. When I arrived with these items I was overwhelmed by angry people and had to get the police to help keep order.

Pastor Anand had the opportunity to talk to the group as many were asking where these things came from. He answered and told them, “God,” and many were shocked as they are Hindu and believe God is dead.

“How did God give these things?” they asked.

“I told them God was NOT dead that he was using his friends in the US to help them and to give the money to buy those things because of his great love for them.”

He went on, “So many people are praying for you. Jesus gave you these things through the Americans.”

They were so surprised by this. “REALLY?! Jesus gave this to us?”

“I was able to talk to them about what Jesus has done for them and many received Jesus. They were so happy and full of appreciation.”

It was the magic of incarnation. The Bible talks mystically about “Christ being formed in us” (Galatians 4:19) and us being “transformed into his image.” (2 Cor. 3:18) We may be reminded of it at Christmas, but it’s a spectacle that is performed over and over again as Jesus repeatedly shows up where he’s least expected. It’s God taking on human form – you and me in restaurants, living rooms, and airport terminals, around the country.

I love how Jesus doesn’t wait for Christmas – he keeps showing up all the time.

Comments (4)

Butch Maltby

December 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm

Seth…thanks for another reminder of what the Advent season is all about. Let’s talk after the holidays. Shalom brother…
Kathy Pride

December 23, 2010 at 10:34 pm

In caring for my mother…she said to me again today, “you are so good to me, why are you so good to me…” and it is the love of Christ.
Carey Rowland

December 25, 2010 at 4:55 am

Amen, Seth.
Here in Boone, we’ve heard similar reports from our Samaritan’s Purse medical teams as they return from fighting cholera in Haiti.
O LORD, may “…Thy kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven,” since you have become flesh and dwelt among us.
judith quint

October 19, 2022 at 11:15 am

In my son and his girlfriend’s home, two of the most precious people in the world to me. They once knew Him…but it has been a long time since they have felt His embrace. I will be His embrace for them this Christmas weekend.
Merry Christmas, Seth!
Blessings to you and your entire family!
Much love,
Judith