The birth of Jesus, while an historical fact because the records of his death by execution are recorded, is about to be celebrated, in the minds of many, for the 2,024th time. Our methods of celebrating Jesus’ birthday – or not – have long been changing. Even the date of December 25th as the “official birthday” is only a date of general consensus. Like everything it seems, there is opposition. The Russian Orthodox folks will celebrate Jesus’ birthday on January 7th.
But there is one thing which is not in doubt.
There would never have been, nor would there be now, the celebration of the birth of Jesus if his life-changing adult message had not been proclaimed. This is that message. There is more to life than we now know. Life is ongoing beyond the physical realm of things. Life in The Kingdom of God is not JUST THIS LIFE, but life recognizing that there is always far more. Life in The Kingdom of God is a place where we all belong.
Again, the birth of Jesus would not have any recognition or celebration ever or anywhere were it not for the message of the adult Jesus.
We would do well to let the manger kid grow up.
The existence of The Kingdom of God, the message that we are far more than our “mortal coil”, that we are heirs to an ongoing life journey, has had many witnesses and been confirmed in many hearts and minds.
Former Harvard University and University of Toronto professor, Jordon Peterson has written an excellent new book entitled, “We Who Wrestle With God.” It is not suitable for a casual bedtime read.
Among other very important things in this book, Peterson – who also was once a practicing psychologist – lifts up the sense behind the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin words used in conveying several of the Bible’s most compelling stories.
Some examples.
Consider Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:10-22), Elijah ascending into heaven in a fiery chariot (I Kings 2:2ff), The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-37) or Paul speaking of entering The Kingdom of God after having been “changed in the twinkling of an eye” (I Corinthians 15:52). The words used – such as ladder, chariot, or a physical body becoming brilliant light – are not to be understood as literal. Rather, the words serve to convey a shared concept of the essence of a person moving from one form to a form fit for a higher realm or dimension of life.
Each of these stories conveys a kind of climbing from one perspective to a much broader one: a metamorphosis (like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly) or maturing of the spirit – the psyche – from speaking as a child to the vocabulary of an adult. All convey that life is a great journey. It is never static. When the physical body dies, the life journey continues. Learning and experiencing the wonder of life never stops. We see more and more. We participate more and more. We KNOW THINGS more fully. Our eyesight experiences the effect of successful cataract removal. We see no longer dim reflections in a mirror but find ourselves face to face with greater realities.
The adult Jesus affirmed, taught, and pointed out such things!
Too often not much beyond the image and story of Jesus as a baby in a manger is known. Many have no clue of the continuum of life message which he in his own very unique way proclaimed and revealed. Not letting the baby in the manger grow up, we are left only with a very small part of the story. As a result there will be times when that limited story knowledge will not help us much with the daily lives we lead or the experiences which come our way.
It is so very important to know more about Jesus than his baby book record. Let’s grow up with him. The whole story will make our day…and enliven the promise that our days are not numbered. Just blessed.