It is a common thing to have a celebratory greeting of a visiting head of state. If the leader from a friendly major country visits, we would, so to speak, roll out the red carpet. Generally, we would have a big band and, many from the press would be there. Certainly, there would be many dignitaries, maybe the president, himself.

As the visiting dignitary left the plane, people would greet him and shake his hand. There might be a military representation who would provide a ceremonial salute.

It happens frequently. On the other hand, when a president visits other countries, it is not without much pomp and circumstance. We have grown to expect it.

Yet, a little over 2000 years ago, a king arrived and hardly anyone noticed it. There were but an uncertain number of shepherds who left their sheep to greet the greatest king ever. They, and they alone spent a short time to visit Him and and His parents.

As a side note, the wisemen did not arrive with their gifts for likely a year or more later. The only dignitaries who met the king on arrival were a few unnamed shepherds.

However, we today, and will into the foreseeable future, celebrate His arrival worldwide, moreso than ever any head-of-state. Indeed, some even celebrate His arrival while denying Him. Nations celebrate His arrival who worship idols.

That…that is recognition that no one has or ever will receive. People sing of Him him and know Him not. They exchange gifts in His name while knowing not why.

One day, likely soon, Jesus will return. This time, it will not be just a small group of shepherds who will see Him. Indeed, He will be seen by all and recognized by all. I have no authority to say as much, but I suspect that that will include the blind.

I say this as an encouragement. If you don’t know the one we celebrate at Christmas, I suggest you take the time to genuinely find out who He is. It is a poor idea to ignore one who is so great.