The Master Architect by Rose McCormick Brandon

St. Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 1600s, is a magnificent example of craftsmanship. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall, not an inch of space has been neglected. In nooks and crannies and seldom seen corners intricate, time-consuming designs memorialize long-forgotten carvers, metal workers, tilers and painters. Many craftsmen devoted their entire adult lives to this one building. Some viewed their work as a calling from God. They were building a house dedicated to worship.
            After the great fire of London in 1666, Wren was given the monumental task of rebuilding 52 churches but St. Paul’s is his masterpiece. Visitors to the cathedral can't help but marvel at the man's genius.
           Writing of Jesus in his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul, for whom the cathedral is named, explained that just as an architect deserves more honour than the house he builds so Jesus is more important than anyone who works for God.

  So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is more valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God’s house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son is in charge of the house. Hebrews 3:1-6

The Hebrews, to whom Paul was writing, had a high opinion of Moses because he was faithful in his service to God. Moses understood that after him would come someone far greater - a Savior, healer, mediator, redeemer, Master and Maker of all. Paul was stressing the point that someone far greater than Moses had come.

As some honour a building like St. Paul's without thinking of the builder, the Hebrews tended to honour the servant more than the Master. This tendency continues. Christians often seek a leader, a fixer, someone they can look to for all the answers. This person has already come. His name is Jesus.

At this Christmas season, as we celebrate the coming to earth of our Savior, Jesus, the Founder and Builder of our faith, let's make Him the focus of our devotion.

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Rose McCormick Brandon is the author of four books, including One Good Word Makes all the Difference and Promises of Home - Stories of Canada's British Home Children. She writes personal essays and devotionals for several publications.