The Adventures of Christmas Esimerkki

December 2nd

Do you know what the first Christmas song was? It wasn’t the infamous, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer“ gem.

The song isn’t about any snowmen or a red-nosed reindeer or jingle bells or candy canes or Santa who sees you when you're sleeping… which is creepy.

It’s Mary’s song.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,” (Luke 1:46-48).

How many people do you think were calling Mary blessed at the time she wrote this song? You could count them with just one hand. If you have ever looked at a manger scene, notice who is not in the picture. Her family. But while she initially must have felt rejected, one day she would be respected.

Jesus was no stranger to rejection: 

• There was no room in the Inn. (Luke 2:7) 
• Herod wanted him killed. (Matthew 2:13) 
• His family thought he was out of his mind. (Mark 3:21) 
• People tried to throw him off a cliff after his first sermon. (Luke 4:29) 
• Judas handed him over to the high priest for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15) 
• The very people he created and served chanted, "Crucify him!" (Matthew 27:22)

This Christmas, it’s possible you may have to sit with people who have hurt you deeply.

You will have to decide how you will respond.

Will you focus on your pain or God’s plan? The greatest gift you could give them and yourself this holiday season is forgiveness.

Think of at least one person you need to forgive and a step you need to take to move in that direction. (Hint: you probably should not make them a fruitcake.)