Thankful for a God Who Came Near

As I watch my customers pass through my cashier line at Hobby Lobby, the sight of new mothers with their babies brings a smile to my face. Not always, but often, I see a gentle smile on the faces of these these first-time moms as they gaze at the tiny miracle snuggled safe and warm in the infant carrier perched up on the shopping cart. This tiny little person is so helpless, and so dependent on her for everything. Miniature hands reach out to grip her finger...and her heart.

I remember how I felt that moment I first held Rachel. She was so tiny. She felt almost frail there in my arms. Her very vulnerability invited me to open up my heart to her. She needed someone to take care of her, provide for her, protect her. God had brought her to me, and I gladly took her into my heart.

It is an awesome thing to ponder that the Creator of the universe, the One Who holds the world in the palm of His hand, chose to come to us in the way that He did.

• Had He come as a general, people might have been afraid of Him.
• Had He come as a wealthy businessman, people may have been jealous of Him.
• Had He come as a celebrity, people may have admired Him, but they couldn't have gotten close to Him.

image found here

Instead, He came as a baby.
     No need to be afraid of Him.
          No need for jealousy.
               No need for guards to keep His "fans" at a distance.

I am so thankful that God made Himself vulnerable. I am grateful that He came near to us. The Creator became utterly dependent on His creation. In doing so, He invited His creation to take Him into their hearts.

He invites us still. God is near. Is your heart truly open to take Him in? Is mine?