“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!”
Psalm 126:2-3 NLT
Christmas is a wonderful day of rejoicing. Whether alone, with friends or family, it is an opportunity to pause and give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of his Son, Jesus.
In many ways today is the ending of the exile of God’s people. It is the clear sign that God’s covenant will be fulfilled, albeit that this is the penultimate, yet definitive chapter. The relief when people are reunited is wonderful when we are invited to view it. I think of those televised reunions between family members who have recently discovered their relatives are still alive. Despite not knowing each other, there is an instinctive knowledge that this is “blood of my blood”. As we approach the newborn Jesus, there is that sense of “blood of my blood”. Created and crafted by God, it is in God that I feel most myself and most at home.
Christmas can be difficult because it can raise many spectres from the past. When I meet with my family, there are remembrances of both pleasant and unpleasant moments. We share a long history together.
It is in making my way to the manger that I choose to set aside any resentment, make a fresh commitment to continue in demolishing walls of animosity wherever they have been built, and consider my complete dependence upon God. Like Jesus, carrying so much prophetic expectation while at his most vulnerable, so I must learn to live with my vulnerabilities, and deliberately make myself vulnerable to both God and others. This is the day to reflect on “What amazing things the Lord has done for…us!”.
QUESTION
Reflect upon the amazing things God has done for you. Name them and give thanks for them
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, what could be more amazing than in your Son, you gave us yourself.
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