But this is not the God we see through the life of Jesus - Jesus was not the messiah most people were expecting and hoping for. They were looking for a soldier who would lead them against the Roman empire to victory. Instead, Jesus resisted the world's obsession with wealth, power, pleasure. Instead of a tall soldier leading his people into battle Jesus ate with sinners, defended the weak and powerless and showed us just what God's values and priories are.
Of course thinking about Santa is a lot easier and nicer for us personally because Santa is all about those worldly things - pleasure, ease, gifts for US - instead of gifts from us to the baby Jesus!
The birth of Christ was a miracle and still is over 2000 years later. But miracles don't just happen - they are born through labors of pain and sacrifice. A miracle is a unique event that God makes happen through ordinary people like you and me so we too are the change for our world!
Isaiah 9:2-7 says: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—all their whips and cudgels and curses—Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
Who is it that brings light to the darkness in our world? For you?
So, here's the challenge for this week - What new traditions in your own holiday planning could focus more on Jesus' presence than on presents?
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