In the hushed stillness of the Judean night, under a canopy of stars, a divine event unfolded that would forever alter the course of human history. The birth of Jesus Christ in a humble manger was not just a historical event but the commencement of God’s ultimate gift to humanity—salvation. This narrative seeks to reflect on this profound gift and challenge Christians to live out the spirit of “occupy until Jesus comes” through their lives, particularly during the Christmas season.
The Gift of the Manger
In the simplicity of a manger, God presented His Son to the world. This act was not merely about the birth of a child but was profoundly symbolic, marking the moment when the Almighty chose to enter into the human experience in the most intimate way possible. Here, in the quiet obscurity of a stable, God demonstrated His willingness to become intimately involved with humanity. This wasn’t just a divine visitation; it was an incarnation, a full immersion into the human condition, where God chose to share in our struggles, sorrows, and joys.
This was the first Christmas gift, one of immense sacrifice and love. God offered His only Son, not wrapped in the fine linen of royalty, but in swaddling clothes, which were common among the poor. This act set the tone for the life Jesus would lead—one of humility, service, and sacrifice. The swaddling clothes were a precursor to the burial cloths, symbolizing that from His very birth, Jesus was destined to give His life for humanity. His arrival in such humble circumstances was a declaration that the path to true greatness is through service and sacrifice.
The manger also represents the path back to God. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, a bridge was built for humanity to return to fellowship with God. This was not just about providing a means for salvation but about restoring the broken relationship between Creator and creation. The simplicity of the manger underscores that this path is accessible to all, not just the learned or the powerful. It’s a universal invitation to come as we are, to embrace the love that was willing to lie in a manger for us.
Our Response: Gifts of Obedience
Just as the wise men brought gifts to honor the newborn King, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1). Obedience is our gift back to God, mirroring the obedience of Christ, who, even unto death, followed the Father’s will. In this Christmas season, we are challenged to ask ourselves, “How am I living out obedience to God’s commandments in my daily life?” Are we, like the early disciples, ready to leave our comfort zones to follow where He leads? This obedience extends beyond mere compliance; it’s an active pursuit of God’s heart, reflecting His love and justice in our actions. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, standing for truth, or serving others without expecting anything in return, our obedience should be a visible testament to the transformative power of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection in our lives.
Praise and Worship: The Incense of Our Hearts
The incense offered by the Magi can be likened to our praise and worship. This Christmas, let our praise be like the sweet aroma rising to heaven, not just in song but in our every action. Worship is not confined to the sanctuary; it’s lived out in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our interactions. Are we allowing the joy of Christ’s birth to permeate our lives, so that every moment becomes an act of worship? Furthermore, let this worship be a testament to our faith, a fragrance that attracts others to the love of Christ. When our lives emit the sweet scent of gratitude and devotion, we not only honor God but also invite others into the warmth of His presence, making every encounter an opportunity to reflect the light of the manger where Christ was born.
Offerings: Beyond Material Gifts
The gold, a gift of great value, symbolizes the offerings we bring. In the Biblical context, offerings are not just monetary; they are our time, talents, and treasures given back to God for His glory. This season, let’s consider how our offerings can go beyond the material. Are we investing in the Kingdom by supporting those in need, by sharing our resources, or by dedicating our time to serve others in the name of Christ? Furthermore, let us reflect on how our daily actions, our kindness, our patience, and our love can be offerings that glorify God. Each act of compassion, every moment of selflessness, and all opportunities where we choose to mirror Christ’s love are invaluable gifts that contribute to the building of His Kingdom, touching lives and hearts in ways that material offerings alone cannot.
Sharing the Good News: The Gift of Evangelism
The news of Christ’s birth was shared first with shepherds, then spread by them and countless others, demonstrating that the message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of their social standing. This season, we are called to be heralds of this good news, embodying the role of the shepherds who went out with haste to tell others about the Savior. The gift of salvation that Christ’s birth heralded is one that must be shared, not hoarded. Are we engaging in conversations about Jesus, not just within the comfort of our churches but in our daily lives, with neighbors, colleagues, and strangers? Are we inviting others into the fold, showing them through our actions and words the transformative power of Christ’s love? Or perhaps are we supporting missions that carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth, ensuring that the light of Christmas reaches those in the darkest corners of our world? This sharing can take many forms: from personal testimony to acts of kindness that open doors for spiritual conversations, to financial or volunteer support for missionaries and local outreach programs. Every act of sharing the Good News is a step towards fulfilling the Great Commission, echoing the angel’s proclamation, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Let us challenge ourselves this Christmas to not only celebrate the birth of Christ but to actively participate in the ongoing narrative of His Kingdom by spreading the message of hope, peace, and eternal life.
The Challenge: Occupy Until Jesus Comes
The phrase “occupy until Jesus comes” is a clarion call for Christians to engage actively in the world, not as passive observers but as agents of change. It’s an invitation to live out our faith dynamically, influencing the culture around us with the transformative power of the Gospel. This challenge is rooted in the understanding that Jesus’ return might be imminent, but until that moment, we are to be busy with the Father’s business. This involves not only personal holiness but a commitment to counseling the doubtful, instructing the untaught, admonishing the sinner, comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, praying for others, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. It means to fill the spaces of our influence—be it our families, workplaces, or broader communities—with the light of Christ.
Stewardship:
Just as the servants in the parable of the minas in Luke 19:11–27 were entrusted with resources, we too have been given an array of gifts, talents, and opportunities by God. The essence of stewardship is to multiply these for the Kingdom’s sake. This can mean investing in people through mentorship, using our skills to serve in church or community projects, or even managing our finances in such a way that supports missions and charitable causes. It’s about recognizing that everything we have is from God and for God’s glory. Stewardship is not just about what we do with our money but how we steward our time, our influence, and our very lives. Are we using them to expand God’s Kingdom or merely for our own comfort and gain?
Vigilance:
The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) teaches us the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared. Vigilance in this context is about maintaining our faith, nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, and being ready to act at any moment. This readiness is not about fear but about an eager anticipation of Christ’s return, ensuring that our lives are a constant testimony to His love and truth. It means keeping our spiritual “lamps” lit through a lifestyle of continuous growth in faith, love, and service, so that when Christ returns, we are found doing His work, not caught unprepared.
Perseverance:
The Christian journey is often fraught with trials, opposition, and the temptation to give up. However, perseverance is a key aspect of occupying until Jesus comes. This means to keep running the race set before us, even when the path is steep or obscured by shadows. It’s about enduring in faith, continuing to share the Gospel, and standing for righteousness even when it’s unpopular or costly. The Apostle Paul encourages us with the assurance that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). This perseverance is fueled by the hope of Christ’s return, the certainty of His promises, and the understanding that every act of faithfulness contributes to His eternal Kingdom. It’s about maintaining the course, even in the face of adversity, because we know the end of the story—Christ’s victory and our eternal home with Him.
In summary, to “occupy until Jesus comes” is to live intentionally, with purpose, using every moment and resource as an investment in eternity. It’s about being good stewards, vigilant in faith, and persevering in love and good deeds, all in anticipation of the day when we will see our King face to face.
This Christmas, let us not just passively celebrate the birth of Christ but live out the implications of that divine gift. Each act of obedience, every moment of worship, each offering given, and every proclamation of the Gospel is our gift back to God. The challenge for Christians is to be so engaged in the work of the Kingdom that we are found “occupying” when Jesus returns, not idly waiting but actively participating in the divine exchange of gifts that began in Bethlehem. Let our lives testify to the truth that Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again so that we might receive the gift of eternal life.
In this season of giving, may our greatest gift be a life fully surrendered to the One who first gave everything for us. Amen.