Away with the manger
Who has seen a nativity play this year? in Zimbabwe: a crowd of us took part in one. Revolved around the idea of a little church doing a nativity play; photographer wanted to capture the awesome event; the whole front of the church became crowded with all the characters, Shepherds, Angels, three wise men, donkey, oxen, Mary and Joseph… can’t fit everyone in, so finally he says ‘...Away with the manger!’
Poignant line. Easy to overlook the reality of just what Christmas is all about. Lose our focus on the wonder of how amazing that first Christmas was, over 2000 years ago.
God came in humility. Creator of universe cared enough for ordinary old us to come and live among us. As humans, we are made in his image: lots of skills and abilities not shared with other animals: control of fire and complex tools, ability to communicate abstract ideas verbally and in writing; clothing, worship. But these gifts also make us capable of great harm. God wants us to be his representatives on this little planet. Needed to intervene: to take us in hand. OT: progressive revelation of God’s love for people; NT: visual aid of Jesus!
What is your concept of God? Not someone distant; not a rule-maker, a spoilsport, a ‘smiter’. Jesus demonstrated God’s real nature: Parable of prodigal son: God is the father who watches out for his wayward son, rushes to meet him when he returns and puts on a feast to welcome him back. Parable of wedding feast: God is the host who invites everyone to a wedding; when the invited guests don't want to come, he invites those with greater need.
Jesus said that he came that we might have an abundant life: life in all its fullness. NOT meant to settle for a humdrum, tedious, boring life; or one full of stress; or one full of tragedy. All those things may happen: but it is important to reflect on your life: and to ask if it has to be like this. Sometimes we just have to change our frame of reference. Pause for a moment and think about your job (or your school); your family and friends; your health and happiness. Life is short. This is your life, happy or unhappy: don’t begrudge it, or let it pass you by. This is the hand you've been dealt; but it makes a huge difference if you play this hand with Jesus as your close companion: he can transform an existence into a life filled with joy!
Four words at Christmas: love, joy, peace and hope. Not aspirational: these can be your experience NO MATTER WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES!! Down through the ages: testimony of people who have lived through highest of highs and lowest of lows: God wants us to let Him share in the life we have been gifted. Love, joy, peace, hope: they well up from a heart open to one amazing truth: I am known and loved by the God who rushes to meet his prodigal son; by the God who offers me abundant life; by the God who chose to be born in a stable.
As you go today, we’ll be giving you a little Christmas tree decoration. I pray that as we look at these little bells they would be for us a wake-up call; this Christmas, let’s be a little more aware that we don’t have to seek God: he is waiting for us, with open arms.
Poignant line. Easy to overlook the reality of just what Christmas is all about. Lose our focus on the wonder of how amazing that first Christmas was, over 2000 years ago.
God came in humility. Creator of universe cared enough for ordinary old us to come and live among us. As humans, we are made in his image: lots of skills and abilities not shared with other animals: control of fire and complex tools, ability to communicate abstract ideas verbally and in writing; clothing, worship. But these gifts also make us capable of great harm. God wants us to be his representatives on this little planet. Needed to intervene: to take us in hand. OT: progressive revelation of God’s love for people; NT: visual aid of Jesus!
What is your concept of God? Not someone distant; not a rule-maker, a spoilsport, a ‘smiter’. Jesus demonstrated God’s real nature: Parable of prodigal son: God is the father who watches out for his wayward son, rushes to meet him when he returns and puts on a feast to welcome him back. Parable of wedding feast: God is the host who invites everyone to a wedding; when the invited guests don't want to come, he invites those with greater need.
Jesus said that he came that we might have an abundant life: life in all its fullness. NOT meant to settle for a humdrum, tedious, boring life; or one full of stress; or one full of tragedy. All those things may happen: but it is important to reflect on your life: and to ask if it has to be like this. Sometimes we just have to change our frame of reference. Pause for a moment and think about your job (or your school); your family and friends; your health and happiness. Life is short. This is your life, happy or unhappy: don’t begrudge it, or let it pass you by. This is the hand you've been dealt; but it makes a huge difference if you play this hand with Jesus as your close companion: he can transform an existence into a life filled with joy!
Four words at Christmas: love, joy, peace and hope. Not aspirational: these can be your experience NO MATTER WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES!! Down through the ages: testimony of people who have lived through highest of highs and lowest of lows: God wants us to let Him share in the life we have been gifted. Love, joy, peace, hope: they well up from a heart open to one amazing truth: I am known and loved by the God who rushes to meet his prodigal son; by the God who offers me abundant life; by the God who chose to be born in a stable.
As you go today, we’ll be giving you a little Christmas tree decoration. I pray that as we look at these little bells they would be for us a wake-up call; this Christmas, let’s be a little more aware that we don’t have to seek God: he is waiting for us, with open arms.