Christmas Mess
It puts me just a little ill-at-ease to celebrate Christmas in the midst of war, especially war in the Holy Land. The very place where the Prince of Peace entered our time and space is now utterly lacking in peace.
Yet, listening to the Bible passages for this weekend, I am encouraged. Jesus came at a time when the Romans were controlling Israel through military force. The people of Israel did not find themselves at peace. They were poor, oppressed and despised.
But Jesus came. He did not wait until we had it all sorted out. He did not wait for the government to be perfect or the land to be at peace. Jesus comes to us in the midst of the horror, suffering and messiness of our lives, and, yes, in the joys as well.
Sunday morning, as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we will hear the angels promise Mary that she will have a child who save Israel and more. Sunday evening and Monday morning, as we celebrate the Nativity, we hear of Jesus’ birth and the angels again promising that this child will be the Savior.
Not a Savior for the easy times, the times when things look great. But a Savior precisely for the terrible times, the times when there seems no good outcome and no hope.
If Jesus came at such a time, surely he comes to our lives regardless of whether times are good or bad.
The question for us is, will we hear the promises of the angels? Will we allow God to enter our lives in a new and shocking way, regardless if the timing or the circumstances?
Where would you invite Jesus into your life anew this year? Into what mess are you ready to welcome a Savior?
This column appeared in the December 24, 2023 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
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