Chapel of Faith

CONCEPT(ual)

“My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation.” Psalm 62:1

A “concept” is an abstract idea, a general notion or plan. It is the framework that commences with a thought and progresses as things are put together, tried, kept or rejected until the final product is realized. It can be much or mean very little.

What it cannot be is a single equation with multiple unknowns for that results in a present that has no future. All life runs for a single purpose, without many realizing the holy framework it is draped upon.

Multiple purposes along with false premises remove any sense of longing or hope. God is merely an abstract concept until you know Jesus.

The Christmas story paints a glorious picture of the baby Jesus born in a manger surrounded by mysterious Magi, various gifts, shepherds and animals. So often the simple implication of that Child coming into the world is missed.

He is the One who brought the concept of eternal life and made it a reality. God taking the form of man bridged the gulf that the purest of intentions could never cross. The Miracle, and Light that deals with evil from His love and completely destroys it. Salvation for the soul.

Jesus is the One who directly speaks to the human heart into the soul and addresses those general notions, those abstractions and brings them into clear view. Forget the effects of an unjust world…if there is nothing beyond the grave, what does it matter? The Baby in the manger tears down the false gods of this world and points the way to what matters, the goal of life and eternal hope for everyone.

The Christmas story through the eyes of Mary, Joseph and Jesus reveals the concept, abstract idea or notion had deep meaning and significance. Jesus’ birth is God on “His terms” and salvation coming only “One way.”

It destroys the structure of any other argument against what He does as poor excuses, unreasonable expectations and a low will to live. His birth was pure love and provides a joyful means to exist eternally. You are no accident, God’s act of His only Son Jesus coming down to earth was with reason…grasp Him and make it a reality.

“You have made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3

Submitted by Pastor Dave Jagemann