I was recently surprised as I observed the number of airport personnel pushing wheel chairs was higher than on past trips. Some were in packs, zipping multiple passengers into elevators and trains. Others were solos with a loved one trying to keep up. I smiled with appreciation for these employees who chatted and cared for their charges.

As I boarded my plane, the image stayed in my mind. It struck me how humbling this must be for each generation as they reach a point where their legs aren’t as steady, their brains not as sharp, and their cardiovascular system not as able. These men and women, who used to run factory equipment in the war effort, build and repair motors with their hands, and drive semi-trucks across the country, are now too weak to lift their carry-on bags into the overhead bin, and in some cases, are no longer able to drive themselves.

Not long ago, they were wearing corporate uniforms or business power suits, working hard and serving in their communities, even presiding over the local Elk’s Lodge, Rotary, Veteran organizations, and company board meetings. These folks are the generation that taught us to do it ourselves, stand tall, and have a confident swagger. Now they often have to rely on others to help them with meals and get them into bathroom stalls. Technology has moved ahead of them. In many cases their hard-earned cash isn’t accepted and they don’t understand how to scan their phone to pay, let alone how to install the cashless app. In the short duration of going through security check-in and arriving at their gate, there is an element of trust that quickly must be given to the stranger pushing them around. I admire their desire to travel, to join up with family and friends. Yet I can’t help realizing how vulnerable they are.

And realizing this vulnerability will happen to each of us as we age. None of us desires to be dependent on others. Yet that is exactly what our Christian faith requires. The greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:35-40). We need to make sure our posture is to put God first, above all and everyone else. To be dependent on Him for wisdom and guidance.

This verse goes on to say “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I don’t know if the airport employees are believers or just doing their job to earn a wage. But watching them reminds me there are probably a dozen people who could use my assistance on a day-to-day basis, not just giving a helping hand, but a word or two of God’s blessing along with my smile. As strong and confident as these now zipping around in airport wheelchairs were, they have realized they can’t live life like they used to; they need assistance. Regardless of our age, we too need to realize our faith requires a rescue plan, which is why Jesus was born.

“The Christmas story is about grace in its most shocking and surprising form. The Lord of lords, one of incalculable glory, humbles Himself and takes on human flesh and blood. The Creator, in a way that boggles the mind, becomes the created, The One who made a perfect world now exposes Himself to a world stained with imperfections. The judge of all things places Himself under judgement. The One who deserves worship becomes the Lamb of sacrifice. The One who deserves everyone’s love subjects Himself to being despised and rejected. The One who owns all things lives with no place to call home and no place to rest His weary head.” From Paul David Tripp’s book: Come Let Us Adore Him.

This Christmas season, will you humble yourself to say yes to faith, or to share your faith with a loved one? There is no greater gift to give and receive, than the gift of eternal life. Regardless of your age, or how strong and determined you are, you too need an eternal rescue plan. We all need the divine assistance of Jesus’ righteousness to cover our sin. Here are four pieces of encouragement to consider sharing with others this Christmas season…

• Because of His love for us, Jesus left His kingdom of Heaven, was incarnated through a virgin birth (Luke 1 and 2), and came to earth to rescue us from sin.

“Who, being in very nature God, (Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8

• Jesus is the fulfillment of Messiah’s prophecy.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

• While on earth, Jesus lived not as a king or lord that was expected, but as a working-class carpenter and missionary. He taught numerous confusing parables on humility, empathy, helping the needy, and forgiveness, leaving us a legacy to follow.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
(Read the entire Sermon on the Mount to begin).

• Jesus Christ is our only bridge to an eternity in Heaven.

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6.

Please pray with me: Lord, thank You for showing me the beautiful examples of kindness and compassion in the airport employees. I pray that it’s Your Holy Spirit in them, prompting them to be caregivers and encouragers to their vulnerable charges. Thank You for the amazing gift of life lessons that I can read about in the Bible and for the best gift of eternal life with You. Please spur more of us to receive this gift and to pass it on with those we love and meet in our day-to-day. Happy Birthday Jesus. I love You.