A weary world rejoices… and we’re still a world in sin and error pining.
Yet what a Holy Night when Christ, The Word, became flesh! We celebrate His light, His love, His sacrifice, His joy. The Christ child’s arrival had a purpose: to redeem a world in desperate need of Him. The babe in the manger was fully human and fully divine; He clearly knew His sacrifice on the cross would be just 33 years later. He came to us, fully aware of our burdens, anguish, and grief, experiencing the same worldly oppression and angst. He knew those pains, even at birth. He knew pure joy, even at death.
This mason jar lantern glowed on my table at the annual Christmas dessert. My dear friend Angie graciously invited me to her table, welcoming me. It’s just that easy to show grace and hope. An invitation!
The world we live in is the same as the one Jesus entered two thousand years ago. We’re famished for love and truth, and we’re desperate for affection and affirmation. All we need, though, we already have.
His love is the best free gift, then, because He paid the price. What uninhibited joy, then, on Christmas morning! Not what nestles under the tree, but what fire burns in our hearts: the unspeakable gratitude at His matchless gift of love!
Our calendars swell to the busiest bustling time of our year, but this season can be rich with depth, meaning, and purpose. We can remain frantic, or faithful; worried, or worshipful; anxious or awed.
What will we choose for this Advent?
We can be light to the world; to view interruptions as interventions; as opportunities to live in love. He breaks chains, frees oppressions, and offers new life for all. His birth was in a lowly stable as a marginalized outsider, cattle and shepherds yawning witnesses to his birth. Not the flashy ushering in of a famous royal. He didn’t seek an earthly crown, but a Kingdom that would last beyond these momentary troubles. Our world still broods in darkness and pain. But we live in Hope of what’s promised. And what a glorious new morning we anticipate!
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace. May God’s peace be yours, now, this Advent season, and always.
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