The Only Way

It is the only way.

She dabs her eyes through the entire worship service, the pain too fresh. Her husband steals nervous glances at her and she does her best to avoid them. She doesn't understand why God let it happen, this tragedy, one whose healing will take much time. Though she's angry with God, she is here, trying to make some sense of the incomprehensible. There must be a reason. There has to be a bigger plan in place. This can't be all there is. Where are you, God?

He watches, His Spirit hovering close, His heart breaking alongside hers. He knows what it is to lose a son. Will she trust Him though she doesn't understand and hurts so bad? Will she hang on long enough to see the loss lead her and others to something better?

It is the only way.

He makes bad choices. Even though he knows it, he does it anyway, often feeling helpless to stop himself. He is in a rut. Life is always the same, boring, without purpose. How does one find meaning in life? His experience with church has not helped. All he sees is a bunch of people trying to make themselves feel better, a place that wants his money, but doesn't address the emptiness he feels.

A loving God sees. How can He explain the fact that all are hypocrites? How can He show him He understands the hopelessness? When will he accept His love?

It is the only way.

Hurt and heartache abound. People are shackled by forces they aren't even aware of. No matter how hard they try, they can't get it right. There is only one way to make sense of the pain, of the labor of human existence. Father, Son and Holy Spirit settle the matter. Their love for mankind necessitates action. They must know the limitations of the creation, must have a way to prove They can relate. There can be no special favors. The Son must enter as an ordinary man, facing the same struggles, feeling the same sadness and sorrow, experiencing the same temptations, walking the same path.

It is the only way.

A baby is born with no great fanfare. The Son of God comes into the world and many, even those who have been watching for Him, scoff. They, we, want more? He gives and gives, yet people criticize. They doubt and they mock, not only while He is on earth, but for all time. The Gift's power never decreases and is for all men, in any country, situation or time.

God has given everything He has for wayward children, stubborn and ignorant. Is it worth it for the few who will see?

The Holy Trinity, in one accord, says yes.

It is the only way.

So wrap our injured flesh around you,
breathe our air and walk our sod.
Rob our sin and make us holy,
perfect Son of God,
perfect Son of God.

Thank You, Lord. Merry Christmas.