12.25.08
A Christmas Miracle
As I walk through the Louvre, I am amazed by all of the religious paintings. Inspired to slow my pace, I begin to stop and contemplate the possible meaning behind some of these great works of art. If you would like, perhaps you might reflect with me…
This particular painting of Jesus reminded me of the joy that both Mary and Elizabeth experienced at the birth of their sons. Two entirely different stories, one of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus and the other a personal miracle of an elderly couple who is blessed with a long awaited child, John.
Years later, John would make the announcement about Jesus that would ring throughout history, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Though these words have significance to us, they must have rung much clearer to the Jewish people who had sacrificed lambs as they waited for the eternal Lamb of God.
The story of Abraham reflected this theme so beautifully. As he was taking his son Isaac to the sacrifice, the boy asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham responded, “God will provided for Himself the lamb.” Centuries later, John welcomed Jesus as God’s provision of this Lamb – providing for man what he could not provide for himself.