A New Look At Christmas

Hey Friends,

Yesterday, we attempted to see Christmas through new lenses. I'll admit that Christmas can become a little bit routine and "ho-hum" if I don't put the effort into seeing the mystery and mirace of it all...you know, God taking the form of a human baby and all; the Divine humility of shrinking himself into human form, limiting his power and omniscence for the sake of his redeeming love for creation; the mystery of being fully God and fully human.

Below are some phrases from some of the songs and reading that we did yesterday.

• "What kind of king would come so small // from glory to a humble stall // That dirty manger is my heart too // I'll make it a royal throne for you" ("Manger Throne" from City of a Hill-It's Christmas Time)
• "Mary did you know...this Child that you delivered will soon deliver you?" "Mary did you know...when you kiss your little Baby, you kiss the face of God?" ("Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowery)"
• "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth" ("O Holy Night")
• From "Twenty-five Questons for Mary": "Did you ever think, That's God eating my soup?" (Max Lucado in God Came Near)
• "The omnipotent, in an instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The Creator of life being created." (Max Lucado in God Came Near, p. 25)

What is it for you that makes Christmas awe-inspiring and infused with worship? What thought or truth breaks you free from the distractions of consumerism and Santa? What keeps it filled with mystery and delight? Post your comments...lets hear them....