The Introduction (Destination: Bethlehem, Day 17)

If you had the opportunity to introduce Jesus in front of a group of people - or one-on-one to someone who needs to know Him, what would you say?  We hear Isaiah 9 quoted often during this time of year, and it gives us plenty of insight, as we refer to Jesus as "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus is recognized as the Savior of the World, the Messiah, and the head of the church.  He Himself said that upon "this rock" - the rock of knowledge of Him - He would build His church.  And
regarding His plan and mission, Paul wrote in 1st Timothy 3:
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Colossians 1 refers to "Christ in you," which is the "hope of glory."

During this season, we can be cognizant of the presence of the living Lord - Jesus, who came into the world, born as a child, a man who lived a perfect life, and become the one and only perfect sacrifice for our sins.  In His great love, He gave His life so that all could come to know Him and experience the fullness of His presence.

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We have entered our final week of this year's Christmas Advent-ure, with the title, "Destination: Bethlehem."  As we discussed yesterday, Mary and Joseph made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be part of a census throughout the land: she was pregnant and the time was nearing for the Savior to be born.   They came to a crowded city near Jerusalem, the place where the Scripture said the Messiah was to be born.

He was born in less-than-optimum surroundings, but an astute innkeeper found a place for the Savior to be born. We read in Luke 2:
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The performer on stage said these words: "You might not think it’s just right. But this is how I would do it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce a man, who needs no introduction. His credits are too long to list. He has done the impossible. Time after time."  Maybe you've seen the video - I found the transcript on a website called Godfruits.tv.

And, even though I would not have said some things that he said, nevertheless this imperfect introduction packs a punch. The well-known comedian continued:

"...His daddy is the author of a book, that has been on the best seller list, since the beginning of time. He holds the record for the world’s greatest fish fry. He fed 5,000 hungry souls with 2 fish, 5 loaves of bread. He can walk on water. Turn water into wine. No special effects. No camera tricks. He has a headshot, on every Church fan across the country. Even before the kings of comedy, he was hailed ‘The King of all Kings’ ‘Ruler of the Universe’ ‘Alpha and Omega’ ‘Beginning and the End’ ‘The Bright and the Morning Star’ Some say He’s the rules of sharing, and some say He’s ‘The Prince of Peace’ Get up on your feet. Put your hands together. And show your love for the 2nd coming, of the one and only. God has been good."

It's become a rather popular introduction indeed.  Now, fast forward to just 2 nights ago.  The man who made a passionate introduction of Jesus Christ was emceeing the Miss Universe pageant.  It was time to announce the winner.  Instead of announcing Miss Philippines, Steve Harvey announced that Miss Colombia was the winner, according to Fox News, which reported that a seven-second behind-the-scenes video shows Harvey immediately after naming the wrong winner -- Miss Colombia instead of Miss Philippines -- pointing to a cue card and talking to an unidentified person saying: “The teleprompter said Miss Universe – Colombia.”

The story points out that recent Meeting House guest, Miss Alabama Meg McGuffin, wrote: “Watch the Miss Universe snap story…Harvey says, “The TelePrompter said Miss Universe-Colombia”…someone in production is fired….”

Harvey immediately apologized for the mistake calling it a “human error,” and apologized on Twitter, saying, "I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.”

The Miss Universe organization issued a statement on Sunday night:

"The excitement of live TV was evident tonight on The Miss Universe stage with over 10 million live fan votes tabulated. Unfortunately, a live telecast means that human error can come into play. We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced. Our sincerest apologies to Miss Universe Colombia 2015, Ariadna Gutierrez-Arévalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, their families and fans."

Steve Harvey, well he got a lot of it right when he introduced Jesus Christ, but he'll certainly be remembered for the mix-up in Vegas Sunday night.  I'd say, cut Steve a break, it could happen to anyone.

But, there are takeaways for us from the juxtaposition of these two events.  And, the first one that is so relevant for this Christmas season is to consider who Jesus is.  This is a great time of year to dig more deeply into that matter.  We can pause to think about the significance of His coming into the world and what He wants to do in our lives.

Now, think about this: if you were to introduce Jesus, what would be your text?  What would you say?  We certainly know that He was the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  Isaiah 9 gives us some wonderful insight into His identity.  There is much we can say.  And...perhaps in light of that first talking point, you can include what He has done in your life. Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means, "God with us."  Since God is with us and dwells in us, that has a radical, profound impact on our lives.

This is important - as we are dedicated to introducing Jesus - by our words and the way we live our lives - we have to make sure that we get it right.   That's where careful study of God's Word and a working knowledge of Scripture comes in.  There is all sorts of theological error floating around; people look at Jesus as being a great moral teacher, and choose to believe certain teachings while ignoring His deity and His call to holiness.  Others see Jesus as one of many ways to heaven, to know God.  Christianity is more than just one of many paths - Jesus said, "I am the way."  He is the way, and we have to be convinced of that.