Family

We are approaching Christmas. Through many years in western culture, we have been conditioned to what is expected from one day with our extended family. Given the changing circumstances of people's lives, extended families now meet and celebrate at differing times throughout the month. It can make what is meant to be a blessing, difficult!

Many people wish to celebrate a season and be with family but have nothing to do with the historical Jesus. For believers in the carpenter, we need to show understanding.

Jesus wasn't born on the 25th of December, historically the Christian community co-opted the date because it was easier using a date already used for celebration than creating a new one. We shouldn't be surprised when the worldview alters, people will celebrate without reference to the Carpenter.

What we can do is offer hope. If Jesus was about peace between humanity and God, and reconciling humanity to each other, maybe that should be the focus of what we express.

Peacemaking starts within our own heart, and starts with forgoing our own rights!

We desire to make peace because we understand that Jesus gave everything so we could have that self-same peace in our lives.

Jesus birth represents the ultimate in giving up of position.

From a place of absolute rule and power, heaven, to a place on earth where he was reliant upon the obedience of those he had created, Mary and Joseph.

Jesus showed humility and meekness (strength under control), should we do any less.

This season, maybe the greatest gift we can give our families is co-operation, understanding that if we truly believe we have the hope of a better way, we will be able to give away our rights in favour of others desires.

Then what might have been difficult, can become a blessing






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