[guest post written by David Brannock]
But then you came.
Several Advents ago I heard a story from a sermon by Rick Ezell. As I recall the story, one day a young wife and mother snapped and ran away. She answered her husband’s frequent phone calls but wouldn’t tell him where she was. She ignored his repeated pleas to come home.
When weeks became months, he hired a private investigator to locate her. The husband booked a flight and made his way to her cheap motel room. Trembling, he knocked on the door. When it cracked open he said, “The kids and I love you. Please come home.”
She did.
Several weeks later the grateful husband mustered the courage to ask THE question that continued to haunt him. Why wouldn’t you come home? I called you for weeks. I kept telling you I loved you and missed you and wanted you back. But you always refused to come home. Why?
She replied, “Before, when you called, those were just words. But then you came.”
But then You came.
God came to earth 2000 years ago to live among us. Yet our Savior didn’t arrive with the typical fanfare of a king or president. No paparazzi jockeyed for position. No journalists lobbied for an interview. No five-star resort accommodated Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus.
At Christmas the Lord of heaven and earth quietly slipped into our world. God spent His first night in human form in an animal’s feeding box. The baby’s wrinkled red face filled the air with coos and cries while Joseph and Mary endured a cold dirt floor and the stench of animals.
A few shepherds stopped by, but their social standing ranked right up there with members of Congress, telemarketers, and scam artists who target the elderly. Back in the day, one didn’t proudly announce, “My daughter is dating a shepherd.” Yet an angel of the Lord invited some shepherds to be the Messiah’s first visitors.
But then You came.
God says throughout the Bible, “I love you. Please come home.” Then one glorious night in Bethlehem, the Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14). Jesus traveled a long way to knock on the door of our heart.
Yet our Savior gladly took the risk. His reward was to hear us say, “But then you came.”
This is a guest post from David Brannock.David Brannock is a former ordained pastor who enjoys serving Jesus free of institutional shackles. He is working on his first book.
Now that he’s finally on Facebook, he will soon start developing the vacant lot known as davidbrannock.com. His first resolution for 2014 is to launch his blog “Set Free to Soar” on January 1.
What about you?
Are you celebrating His coming? Share your thoughts with us.
Wonderful blog. Can’t wait until you get your book finished. I look forward to a good read.
Thanks, Carolyn. I’m still praying over the direction of the second half. It’s like a big puzzle and I’m still working on how all the pieces fit together.
Welcome to the bloggy world, David! Thank you for a wonderful post!
Thanks, Ginger. I enjoyed writing it and appreciate Mitzi giving me this opportunity.
David, what a wonderful posting. As always, I can relate so well to the message you bring. I surely do miss you and the family. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful next year. I look forward to your new blog and your new book!
Thank you, Sandra. I appreciate your support and always enjoyed hearing the music you played during worship.
What a wonderful message!! Dad and I are so very proud of you and we love you very much.
We think that this new direction in your life will support the growth of Christianity as you continue to do God’s work. according to His will.
Love,
Mom
Thank you, Mom. The support from you and Dad means so much. I’m looking forward to coming home for Christmas.
Love,
David
David, this is a great mini-sermon and powerful message. I’d like to hear you preach it. I fondly remember the times you invited me to help you at Richlands First. Also our years on the Board of Pensions. May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Clarence. I appreciate your kind spirit and willingness to help whenever I asked. May you have a joyous Advent and Merry Christmas.
David,
I really enjoyed your article. It makes one realize how much our God extends love and grace to us. Jesus is the greatest example of grace. No matter the mistakes we make in life Jesus is always there to carry us over troubled waters. May you and your family enjoy a blessed and Merry Christmas. I look forward to reading more postings and your book when it is completed.
Thank you, Jackie. I can’t count the number of times that Jesus has come to me when I snapped and ran away. May you have a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas. I’m grateful for the encouragement with my writing.