In one of the books from my Faith & Beauty class this past semester, Cornelius Plantinga Jr. wrote, “Without costly action, hope can soften into sentimentality.” God has been reminding me what an incredibly hopeful time Christmas is. Our Father chose to declare war for our hearts. He didn’t distance Himself from His adulterous creation. He came after us, came for us, came to us---in the flesh. He saw His people suffering, and sent a precious part of Himself to serve as the very vehicle for our redemption and renewal. What is more beautiful, more hopeful, more loving that that?
The real message of Christmas is so simple yet so radical. In the context of our culture, it’s hard to see though. The other day I was standing in an hour-long line at the new Forever 21 in Nashville, observing the people around me. The store was a blur of holiday décor, shiny displays, and catchy clothing. Empty melodies blared forth from the DJ at the front of the store. A few people ahead of me, a young woman and her boyfriend were attempting to conceal a difficult conversation. He kept diverting his eye contact from her, and her eyes pleaded for his attention. Finally he uttered a few feeble words of explanation, and departed. Tears spilled from her eyes but she quickly wiped them away as she rifled through trinkets and jewelry that decked the path to the registers. For a holiday that is supposed to stand for hope and joy, I was utterly broken at the sight of this sweet girl, so hungry for the very love and fulfillment Jesus came to offer us.
In the most extraordinary act of pursuing love, God not only offered atonement for our sins but new life in abundant, intimate relationship with Him. The sweetest present of all, Jesus gave us access to His presence. Don’t miss an opportunity to embody all the hope of Jesus to those you encounter…be aware of the hungry hearts in lines, in class, in stores, in the neighborhood. Do something costly. Be bold. Do all things in love. Do not fear. Arise. Let your light shine….for He has come, and so has His glory. The Prince of Peace, Immanuel, came not to bring peace but a sword. There is a yet a war for our hearts and the hearts of those around us. We’re equipped in Christ and already can claim the victory. Go forth and abide in His love. Let’s make this Christmas season a delight to God’s heart…let’s make it a present to the best Dad ever!
p.s. here are some awesome prophetic pieces of Scripture to reflect on...these seriously fill me with so much awe and adoration for God's love for us!
"...Unto us a Son is given....and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
"...by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me [Jesus], because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations." Isaiah 61:1-4 (I encourage you to go read the rest of Isaiah 61 AND 62...such awesome pieces of Scripture!)
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