The invisible made visible:
Throughout the Christmas story, God made a significant decision. Rather than an earthly king being born in the center of human wealth and opulence, God chose a very different way…
Mary, a young, unwed teenage girl is the one chosen by God to be the “God-bearer.”
Joseph, an older man with no children of his own, is chosen to become the “adoptive” father of Mary’s child.
Lowly shepherds, with dirty, sandaled feet and a lonely, isolated existence up in the hills around Bethlehem are the first to hear the angels’ call.
An animal trough will become the birthplace for Jesus; not a sterilized, germ and dirt-free birthing center.
Animals will surround the birth, becoming forever part of the Christmas story.
Nothing about the birth of Jesus shares any aspect of a wealthy king clothed in earthly power.
And yet…
Jesus comes as the king of glory – wonderful counselor, almighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace.
This is the same Jesus we welcome anew this Christmas.
Look for him in the ordinary things…the everyday moments…the gritty and plain, lonely and isolated…for he will be there looking for you.
And when you see him, feel the hope and joy and love he brings to your life this year.
It’s not the same old story…it’s a new story meant to take root in you…to be born again this Christmas.
Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D.
Merry Christmas to All!
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