ONE SOLITARY LIFE
How does one explain the greatness of the MAN whose Birthday we
celebrate each year on December 25? Let's make a humble attempt:
He was born in a stable, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in an
obscure village; worked as a carpenter until He was 30; and then became
an itinerant preacher for 3 years.
He never went to college; He never wrote a book; He never held an
office; He never owned a home; He never had a family; He never had a lot
of money; He never traveled farther than 200 kilometers from His place
of birth; He never accomplished any of the things that usually marked
greatness; He had no credentials but HIMSELF.
Although He spoke with great authority; taught with unusual wisdom; and
was widely accepted by the people, the religious leaders of His day
opposed Him. While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion
turned against Him. He was betrayed by a friend; abandoned by His
associates; and turned over to His enemies. He was falsely accused;
endured the mockery of a trial; and was unjustly condemned to die.
He was crucified between two thieves and while He was dying His
executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth, and
that was His clothing. When He was dead, He was buried in a borrowed
grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central
figure of the human race, and the cornerstone of world progress.
And all the armies that ever marched; And all the navies that ever
sailed; And all the parliaments that ever sat; And all the kings that
ever reigned, put together... Have not affected the life of man upon
this earth as has that ONE SOLITARY LIFE!
(JESUS, your Life is an inspiration to all of us. We bow
before You as we celebrate Your coming at CHRISTMAS.) |
