“First doses of COVID19 vaccine shipments arrive in Canada.”  This news was easily covered by many reporters yesterday.

I thought about the arrival of the vaccine, to our country of Canada, and a few thoughts drifted through my mind.  The first is that the vaccine will not be arriving in all countries at the same pace that it has arrived in Canada.  There are countries which do not have the economic resources or infrastructure to distribute the ‘keep it cold, -70 C storage’ vaccine.  The second thing I thought, was that receiving the vaccine into the arm, accepting it, comes with a mixed response. Some eagerly welcome the vaccine and others seem to debate whether they will opt out.

Having gone to sleep, knowing of the vaccine’s arrival, I arise early on this Monday of a new week and marvel that the arrival of Jesus into this world was for all.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his One and only Son” (John 3:16).  There is no predetermined status, level of achievement, or requirement, for the arrival of Jesus into any home, any life, any community.  He arrives because his love for those he has created is immeasurable.  His arrival is equally for all.

Of interest, and wonder, Jesus “came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13). Not all accepted him or accept him today – his arrival is one that some choose to opt out of receiving. Thankfully the invitation is never withdrawn. Daily, to all, the invitation is ‘come to me… for I am gentle and humble in heart… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). The arrival of Jesus is new every minute, extended to those of every culture, race, and age. It is timeless and limitless.

The arrival of the vaccine has created quite a stir.  The arrival of Jesus did the same.  The shepherds who heard the news were eager to respond.  Having received the news, that the long awaited and promised Saviour had arrived, they took to the streets and discovered it to be ‘just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).  The kings responded to the arrival of Jesus in the same way, by following a star, that led them to where the Christ child was. They “bowed down and worshipped” giving gifts (Matthew 2:11).  King Herod, on the other hand, was not open to the arrival of Jesus.  His fear was that this new king, that he heard about, would usurp his throne. His rejection of Jesus affected the lives of many.

Jesus has arrived.  “So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, his choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 2:11).

I love this following song. I would invite you to listen to it and be reminded that Jesus has arrived.  He is here!

He is Here (Darlene Zschech)

He is here, the Savior has been born,
The one we've waited for, surrounded by our praises,
He is here, the promise of the King,
To you our lives we bring.
Let your glory be revealed.

Joy to the world,
Peace to all who love him.
The Savior has been born and all of Heaven smiles.
Glory to God, we bring an off'ring to you.
Join with all the angels singing hallelujah.

Loving God, at just the right time you sent Jesus, your Son, into our world.  This is a mystery, and yet every evidence reveals that for all who receive him he becomes their light and life.  By your Spirit, stir hearts around this, your world, to marvel and accept your arrival. In contrast to King Herod, daily, may we all respond with a welcome, allowing you to reign on the throne of our lives and our homes. AMEN