As I look at this set, made of ‘fired earth’ (terracotta), I often think of an amazing reality: Jesus came into the very world He created and went through incredible (fiery) trials. But He didn’t give up or walk away.
Far from *terror* in a cot, this baby actually achieved the opposite incredible reality: we can avoid terror! He is the only One that can remove us from God’s certain wrath…
Although ignorant of their fate, these people, all people, (you and me included), will face the God who the created them and the universe on Judgment Day. On that day, if we have committed even one sin, we will be judged and doomed.
But because God loved us so much, He sent His Son to pay our fine. Unlike Adam & Eve, God’s Son was not made solely from elements of the earth (like these clay figures). He was born of God’s Spirit, so had no sin at all, meaning He could pay for the sin of every single one of us!
Heated up to a point of near destruction is what gives these figures their strength. And so it is with us.
God allows (or even gives) hardship often based on our own bad choices so we are willing to look up to Him.
Then, once we know His love, He gives us trials to develop our endurance, our depth of character and our level of faith. He could leave us in our ignorance or folly, but because of His love, He reaches out to us.
No matter who we are, no matter where we are, we owe everything to the One these stoic figures are worshipping. We should join them – not just at Christmas – we have much to be thankful for!
#thankYouJesus
In fact, not only would this baby save people from XXXX, He would also make it possible for these people