Music buffs recall the “British Invasion.” It started in 1964 when a group called the Beatles came to America. They opened the door for other English groups like The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, The Dave Clark Five and the ever popular Petula Clark. Lots of publicity accompanied each group. Record sales sky rocketed. The music scene was forever changed.
C.S. Lewis called the story of the birth of Christ an Invasion.
“Enemy occupied territory that is what the world is. Christianity is the story of how a rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” (Lewis, Mere Christianity, P. 51)
The Christmas story pictured on most greeting cards appears ordered and peaceful. A star over a manger with clean, smiling sheep looking on. Deer looking thoughtfully at a Christmas tree. Magi (always 3) dressed in spotless clothes after a long journey.
No risk or danger evident.
We have broken through in our reading and finally made into the New Testament, smack dab into the Invasion story. The characters all seemed to be part of a play with Almighty God directing every step.
It had to be that way because lurking behind the scenes was the Prince of Darkness.
Revelation 12 gives an R rated version of the same story. Terrorism is right out there in plain view.
A pregnant woman is about to give birth. Out of nowhere a giant red dragon appears. He is powerful, she is vulnerable. He waits for the baby to be delivered so he can devour it. At the last second the baby is born and snatched away into protective custody. The woman runs into the dessert and the dragon chases, declaring war on all related to her.
You don’t see that story on many Christmas cards.
The invasion was actually a rescue mission. God came in disguise to liberate you!
He went to a lot of trouble.
He must love you very much. Be strong and courageous, Mike