The Christmas Gift

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. (Micah 5:2-5a)

The people of God are called to live with the posture of Expectancy - the day of the Lord is coming. 

The people of God are called to live as Exiles - oh come, oh come Emmanuel, and ransom here your people still. Who morn in lonely exile her, until the Son of God appear.

The people of God are called to live as Emissaries - it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us, called to Kingdom partnership and participation with the King who  has a uniquely tailored call for you - painted with Justice, mercy and humility; a call that connects your deepest longings with the deepest need of the world. 

If you really understand your call as emissaries it is understandable for you to be both exhilarated and terrified. “Me called to partner with God?” “Who am I?” “Maybe one day when I get my act together, but not now.”

Christmas answers these objections. 

• God choose a peasant Jewish girl, so no parent of privilege could boast “Of course the savior is my son, that only makes sense.” 
• God chose a stable, so no innkeeper could boast, "He chose the comfort of my inn!" 
• God chose a manger, so that no wood worker could boast, "He chose my beautifully made bed!" 
• God chose little Bethlehem, so city could boast, "It was because of the greatness of our city that God chose it!" 
• God chose shepherds, so that no one could boast that they deserved to hear the good news first.

And God chooses you with no regard to the good or bad you have done, but freely and unconditionally, because of his grace, mercy and deep love for you so that you can neither say say, “of course he chose me,” nor “God would never choose me.” He chooses you for amazing things - emissaries of the King -- not because of who you are, but because of who he is.  

It’s the wonderful gift of Christmas.

Peace, Hope and Love

Doug