Who Cares if the Boys Will Be Home?

    One of the greatest stories in modern engineering history is the Wright brothers journey into the age of aviation. People had been trying to fly since Adam’s creation, and we’ve all seen the bizarre models and attempts inventors have made through the centuries to replicate birds. Then, in December 1903, after years of experimenting and mechanical development, and dozens of attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground.  That story has been told and retold. But a little known detail in the aftermath is a telegram they sent to their family by way of their sister, Katherine. It read, “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.”
    Being part of a family where everyone involved themselves in each other’s projects, Katherine excitedly hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news of the century––MAN HAD FLOWN!
    We are in danger of doing that this week. The story of Joseph and Mary, their love for one another, and Joseph’s kindness to Mary and trust in God after the angel’s appearance, is all very beautiful. The birth in a stable and infant bedding in a feeding trough are fascinating details. Angels appearing to shepherds to announce the baby’s birth, and even the wise men coming from the east to seek out this important child, are wonderful additions to a beautiful story. But all of those components are a bit like Orville and Wilbur making it home for Christmas. Nice pieces of what is being communicated. But the big story should totally eclipse everything else being said! The big news in Luke 2––GOD BECAME A MAN!
    That is big news! Bigger than the Santa Claus fable! Even bigger than the real story of Saint Nicholas. Bigger than the holiday lights in downtown Chicago. Bigger than the crowd of shoppers at Woodfield Mall, or anything else you can think of that gets our attention this time of year. Don’t miss the big deal for the incidentals! God came to the earth to identify with you, to absorb your sin, to die for you, to forgive you, to give you a new life! God became a man on your behalf! That’s the big news of every Christmas.
    What difference does that make to you?