In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen 1:1) He is God. He is Creator. As Creator, there is more Scripture to define Him. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Col 1:16) So not only are all things in His creation sourced by His Holy will, but all things belong to Him. They are His, and in His mercy He provides all things to accomplish His holy will.
In that image of His will being accomplished through His creation, He remains all-powerful. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isa 46:10)
In His nature, He is beyond the limits of nature. Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. (1Kings 8:27)
He is Sovereign, our King, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (1Tim 6:15)
What more do we need to say to establish the credentials of our God? He is the Creator of all things, He is above all things, He is the Ruler of all things.
Having said ALL of this:
Within these next two weeks we, who hope to be found worthy to be called servants of our God, will become witnesses, not of some monumental display of superiority, but of monumental humility.
He Who sits eternally at the right hand of the Father in His glory comes within the womb of a young maiden, to be born as is any human being, and to be laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. He comes offering the fullness of God to be united to us in fullness as Man. And in His divine offering, He creates a path to salvation for all of humanity—for all who will choose to receive the gift He brings.
What do we see as we gaze into the cave where He is laid as a child? We see His Virgin Mother, one who loves Him as the Child she has carried these many months, but one who loves Him in a way that must include, even if imperfectly, the vision of His divinity, for she knows His conception is beyond nature. We find lowly animals, witnesses from His creation to His arrival. We find an elderly man who will offer himself as a guardian for as long as He determines is Joseph’s lot. We find hosts of angels offering glory to God.
There is a Stichera on Lord I Call from the Vespers of Nativity that speaks to what the world has to offer in return.
What shall we offer You, O Christ, Who for our sakes has appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by You offers thanks: Angels offer their hymn, and the heavens a star. Wise men bring gifts as the shepherds won-der. The earth offers a cave, and the wilderness offers a manger. And we, Your people, offer You a virgin mother! O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!
He Who will come again in glory comes now in humility. He Who comes to give His life for His creation comes to assume that life so that He can show us the way to salvation. And we, like the angels, stand in awe and wonder at His humility for us and his mercy towards us.
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