Little Birds and Big Windows

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39 ESV).

In our new home we have two large windows that face the south. The sun reflects off them in such a way as to provide the perfect “mirror” for the birds that may be flying by. That provides the worst of situations for their safety. Seeing either the reflected sky, trees, or themselves they have already flown into the window several times. So far, none of the encounters have been fatal. I am hoping that covering the windows will help them recognize the danger of a little bird flying into a big window. It never ends well for the bird. I thought after the last loud thump of a bird hitting the window how incredible it might be if I could become a bird for a few seconds and talk its language, I could show it how to be safer. And immediately, as is often the case, God brought me to a Scripture. Our reading today is a picture of Jesus lamenting how he did just that. He became one of us, experienced what we have experienced, and talks our language so that we might not fly into the windows of life. The Creator of the universe became one of His own creatures, a man, in order to communicate perfectly with mankind. Jesus took on a human body and personality, with all its limitations, so you and I could understand how to be free to live and have a relationship with God. This is really what the Incarnation is all about. God chose to reveal Himself to us in the form of a baby, Jesus Christ. It is that time of the year when all the stores begin to display their Christmas goods. I love this time of the year. The bright lights, colorful ornaments, and wonderfully scented pine in the air just seems to make everything better. It always recalls the greatest gift God could possibly have given to us. Jesus became a human being for us. We certainly didn’t deserve such an extravagant gift; we hadn’t done anything to deserve such tender care and sacrificial action; but God came to us in His only begotten Son that we might have life. When we get to know the God who loves us so much that He would humble Himself to become a man, then Christmas always has a sense of wonder. This year, as you hurry through all the preparations and tasks of the season, please take some time to remember the wonder of the Eternal God speaking our language. He is calling you to the shelter of His wings.