Christmas in July

This phrase usually refers to an unexpected windfall--a fortuitous felicity. In this case, however, I mean to use it literally.

This month my devotional readings are focused on pilgrimage.
One of the main themes running through the readings is that our lives are meant to be a journey. As Christians, our destination is conformity to Christ, union with the Father, fellowship in the Spirit, etc.

Yesterday's reading, however, focused on Haddington, Scotland. The author evidently came upon a scene at Haddington depicting Mary. In this scene, she is presenting her baby boy to the royal visitors who have come to adore Him.

God Himself made a pilgrimage...to a teenage virgin's womb, to a humble manger, to backwater Nazareth, to the cross, and to the grave.

Back to the scene from Haddington. These magi pilgrims came to bring an offering to the newborn King of the Jews. They brought their best...but what then happened to their hearts? Did they depart from that encounter forever changed?

Christ has come into our world as well. Many of us have knelt to worship and honor the Christ child. God not only made the pilgrimage to humble Himself in a lowly stall in Bethlehem, He has now humbled Himself enough to indwell us through the Spirit.

Kneel before Him. Adore Him. Be changed as you gaze upon the Lord of glory, He who humbled Himself to endure a shameful birth and a scandalous death.

Be humbled yourself as you adore.

This is Christmas in July.