Yes, thats right, its that time of year again. Its Christmas. In November. We celebrated in style. There was tinsel everywhere, over the floor and through kids' hair, the tree was bright, and beamed out colourful light, all through the house, the creatures were stirring especially the mouse, coz the music was rocking, and the poetry shocking :p But to cut to the chase, Justin gave us an awesome spin on the Christmas story and I'd like to share some thoughts, so please read on...

 
 

When you think of the typical king, what comes to mind? Most likely, it is someone who has a lot of power and rules over many people in a vast and bountiful land. Usually, they would have been born into royalty. Any king worth his salt, would of course,  live in a castle and sit on a throne. They would probably have a crown on their head, flowing robes on their shoulders and be sporting a sweet set of boots. Being a king, they would be famous, know some pretty important people and often be in the public eye. More than that, they would also be insanely rich, having too much money to count. That is all stuff we would boast about.
 

Yet, whats the typical Christmas story picture of Jesus? A helpless baby, meek and mild. Someone who doesnt have much power  or authority and who doesnt rule over anything at all. His parents certainally werent royalty and he didnt live in a castle. He was a kid, born naked, in a manger, filled with slop, in a place that stank of animals and their poo. Jesus was then wrapepd in some old rank cloth. There was hardly anyone special around to see him being born. More than that, the riches he had werent impressive by anyone's standards and they probably had as much money as you could count on two hands. That is all stuff we probably wouldnt boast about. 
 
 

These two ideas are in stark contrast to each other. So, how come the Christmas Story picture of Jesus is so radically different to what we expect? God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nulify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). People boast about stuff to get glory. God doesnt need stuff to get glory. God doesnt need power, authority, a castle, robes or riches or anything to "get" glory. In fact, God is so glorious that he "gets" glory even through the lowliest of circumstances and from the most ordinary people.  That's pretty crazy! But it also means that God can (and does) use people like you and me for his glory, even though he doesnt need to. He chooses to. How cool is that?
 

Would love to hear your comments so please leave them below!  :)