Is 55:8 is a verse which needs constant highlighting: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.’
Nowhere is this verse seen more plainly than in the Christmas story. The Jews eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, but did not expect – despite the prophecy in Micah 5:2 – that this would take place in such an insignificant place as a stable. The wise men knew the star heralded the arrival of a king, but they allowed reason to lead them to the most obvious place for a king to be born. So often, God seems to take delight in astounding us by working in ways that seem to us so insignificant and lowly. As today’s song reveals, ‘a throne in a manger, the cross in a cradle’ seems to be the way God loves to work.
‘No reputation, no stately bearing
No palace bed for royalty
But a star in the Heavens, a sign full of wonder
Announcing the coming of the King of kings
Rejoice, o world, your Saviour has come
Through the love of a virgin’s womb
Son of God, Son of man, born that we may have life
You were born that we may have life
A throne in a manger, the cross in a cradle
The hidden revealing this glorious plan
Of a Child who would suffer, a Child who would conquer
The sin of every woman, the sin of every man.’ (‘Born That We May Have Life’, Chris Tomlin)
What might we miss today of God’s workings if we only use our thoughts?