“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Isaiah 53:3
I’d like to think it was a silent night on the night of our Savior’s birth, but I believe Bethlehem was far from quiet that night. When people travel from all over the world for the Olympics, is the Village quiet? When thousands descend upon a stadium for a game, are the roads, hallways or arenas quiet? During the days of Mardis Gras, are the streets of New Orleans silent? The answer to each of these is a resounding, “No!” It was the busiest night in Bethlehem. The census was underway and people had traveled from miles around. So many had flooded the streets, overnight accommodations were slim to none. Everyone was busy, so busy they missed the arrival of God himself in their own backyard.
Unnoticed by many, Christ was born to be noticed only by a few. Those who listened, those who trusted, those who believed in something bigger and more hopeful than themselves — they came, bringing gifts, proclaiming the arrival of the King, welcoming the One they had been waiting in the courts to arrive. A subtle entrance, a grand reception — but only by a few . . . the rest would reject Him, hurt Him, fill Him with sorrow.
It’s difficult to believe He understands the pain of rejection. It’s not easy trusting the human sorrow He experienced to know the deepness of my own sorrow. The truth is however, He does understand. He understands and promises to heal the brokenhearted. But, like those in Bethlehem that night, I all too often forget to listen, forget to notice, forget to see, forget “to taste and see that the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever!”
Lord Jesus, rejection sucks — that’s me being brutally honest! You have promised to be my Comforter, my Healer, and NEVER reject me! Your love for me is not conditional and never weakens! You are seated upon the throne and I am seated with you! I know you understand every ache in my heart! Continue to refine me — burn off that which is unrighteous as I strive to be holy as You are holy! I’m so glad you understand!!!!