In the Beauty of His Weakness

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25

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In one of the verses from the Battle Hymn of the Republic we sing, “In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea…” And as we set out our manger scenes or listen to the familiar carols on our favorite radio station, the story of Jesus born in a manger seems to us so appealing and beautiful. But the reality was of an unwed virgin about to give birth; a bride-groom offended, a village scandalized and a young couple traveling by donkey from Galilee to Judea to pay taxes. In the dirty stable of Bethlehem filled with smelly shepherds it might have been better to sing, “In the beauty of His weakness Christ was born…”

Maybe God sent us His Son in weakness so that His lowliness could say to us, “Welcome to all who wish to come!” Then onto that stable floor God sent shepherds with the joy of angel songs ringing in their ears. Later to their small home, came amazing gifts, from wise men who sought Christ in all His weakness and they kneeled to worship Him.

 

Today, in your life and mine God comes, He gives and guides in some of the most foolish of ways because of His unfathomable love for us. The foolishness and the weakness of God lead us to Bethlehem where the Savior was born. He came for all who would believe and all who will come and worship Him!

 

 

 

Sharing Christmas Joy

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 1:41 ESV

In some ways Mary was unlike anyone else on earth. Who else can say that God entrusted to them the baby Jesus? But in some ways Mary was just like every one of us. She did not have any special standing or ability that caused God to choose her. We in some ways are all given the same opportunity that Mary had to surrender to God so that His Son can be born in us.

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When Mary went to visit her cousin she did not preach a sermon, or bring expensive gifts to impress Elizabeth. But the difference that the life of Jesus within her had already made brought joy to into their meeting!

 

So that has me wondering and asking the question: Does the presence of Jesus in my life give joy to the lives of others?” If God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for me, then what have I given to others today as an expression of that gift?

Christmas Mercy

Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; Luke 1:78

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The Critic sees a people overlooking their good to focus on their sins

The Romantic sees people overlooking their sins to see their good

God sees people and sends His son to die for their sins and by His mercy visit us forever!