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An Invitation

Christmas tree with presents and fireplace with stockings --- Image by © Royalty-Free/CorbisFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

We have heard the story so many times in Christmas cards, articles and sermons. It is a familiar and treasured tradition – a tradition that today is being challenged on many fronts.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 -King James Version (KJV)

Who is this God

Who is this God who sent His Son as a vulnerable baby to a self-serving world of treachery and deceit? A God who loves us more than we can imagine.  A God who knocks gently at our hearts and waits for us to invite Him in.

“Everyone more or less believes in God. Most of us do our best to keep God on the margins of our lives or, failing that, refashion God to suit our convenience.”

Eugene Peterson, Introduction to the Prophets, The Message.

If we took Christ out of Christmas and simply focused on all the glittery tinsel, celebrations and Christmas concerts, we would be left with an empty tradition, a stressed time of year, and just another holiday that gives us time off from work.

If we forgot to come to the manager at Christmas, we would drift even further away from our premise of “God”, a God we desperately need in our lives – not just at Christmas but every day of the year.

Who is this God who asks us to believe beyond ourselves – who asks us to take a risk of faith – to trust – to open our eyes and see – to make a choice to turn away from the things that are slowly destroying our lives – to choose love instead of hate.

Who is this God who asks us to humble ourselves, who says “follow me”, and who gives us is a different way to live our lives. A God who offers life and not death.  Not just here – but for eternity.

Come join me and others as we seek this tiny babe in a manager, kneel before Him with humble hearts and sing Hallelujah choruses with the angels. Let’s celebrate His birth.

For our Savior has come.

Merry Christmas

Marlene Anderson

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