Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Are we really so Despondent


I wish this post was one of great insight into how God is molded His Church to be the light unto a dark world, but this is not one of those kind of posts. My heart was troubled last night towards the end of accountability group I am apart of. What perplexed my soul is the apathy towards the Narrative of Jesus' birth into this fallen world. I really do not care on what side on the many lines that have been drawn in the sand of this issue, the birth of Jesus has awoken many discussions that are to numerous to count.
Jesus' birth is of a miraculous conception, and a story of redemption in of itself, pre-crucifixion. Meaning that those within this narrative of Jesus' birth experience trials of disbelief and encounter God's redemptive love. As many follower's of Christ would say that nothing would stop God's plan, I agree, but just think of the stubbornness of Zacharias and the disbelief of Joesph. One did not think God would allow his wife to become pregnant due to her age, one thought to divorce his wife to be in secret. But both men found redemption in their disbelief from holding onto a slight faith that God was going to allow these two babies to be born, one being John the Baptist, the other being Jesus.
I have shared a brief snapshot insight to the narrative story of Jesus' birth, but in today's Church there is apathy towards this magnificent narrative of God's love for his children. Why is this so? Is it that the Church has bought into the consumerism lie of this pretentious holiday? Or is it that the Church has lost the excitement of the waiting for the Messiah to be born? What has caused our young men and women to not care to hear this story again?
You might think it is because they are young and have no sense of tradition? Yeah, I could see that point, but I will raise the level to say it is not that there are not interesting in hearing it, maybe we have been telling the narrative in a way that has aided them to grow despondent to this wonderful narrative. I be one of them for many years. I always look forward to the death and Resurrection more than Christmas, for the sear fact that people were a bit more genuine in their worship of receiving something they did not deserve. Man what would it be like if we treated the birth of Christ in the same manner, and try to utter the words of Simeon, "for my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:30) And praise God with the same intense vigor as we do with His death and resurrection.
This narrative is the beginning of the virtuous life of our Lord and Savior. WOW!!! I am excited to celebrate Jesus' birth, I am in anticipation for that star to shine brightly, to place myself in the shoes (or sandals) of the Sheppard's, the wise man, even the livestock, or the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Let us live in a triumphant state for our hope and faith rests in the birth of Jesus.

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