In December 1903, after many attempts that would have discouraged just about everyone else from even trying, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground.

Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.” Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said: “How nice, the boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news – MAN HAD FLOWN!

I feel that sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the story that we too, just like that editor, miss the important element. If that editor could have just fast forwarded only 50 years and realized what unbelievable step in technological advancement that simple “We have actually flown 120 feet.” had started, I believe he would have written at least a book about it not just an article. Imagine if he could have seen 110 years into the future, maybe comfortably seating in a business class seat on a flight taking him from Detroit to Japan in less than a day… Not even the science fiction novels of that day could imagine what today has become normal.

That day or evening, in that little town of Bethlehem was taking place an event like no other. An event witnessed by the eyes of the prophet Isaiah 700 years before. “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

An event witnessed by the eyes of the prophet Micah, also 700 years before it happened. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2

An event witnessed through the eyes of so many prophets writing about it centuries before its coming about that it would be an absolute pity to miss among all the glamour of the Christmas holiday.
You see, in the story of Christmas, we find not just a God who shouts a top His lungs I LOVE YOU to humanity but we find a humanity completely unprepared to meet its Creator, its Lord and King...its Savior. In the busyness of humanity not even a bed is available for the pregnant mother of our Lord. In the busyness of humanity those who witness the greatest event of history are three wise man coming from afar, of totally wrong heritage, and a few shepherds of totally wrong status for such an honor. ALL at the Inn, including the Inn Keeper on whose door Joseph’s fists announced salvation, have missed it.

We all wait for God to knock on our door, to send an angel to let us know His will, all the while we ignore the many attempts He makes to reach our heart through those we meet in need, through those we are called to love, through those we are called to bless. Don’t miss it! Do you hear the knock?