A Christmas story like no other

Christmas . . . presents, pohutukawas, L&P, BBQs, sand, jandals, sleep ins, family and friends - that’s pretty much the typical Christmas for many NZers. Yet when we consider where it came from, it is not quite the storyline one would imagine . . .

Prior to Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people and their land was occupied by the Romans. The Romans had physically invaded, dominated and ruled the Jewish people for quite some time, to the extent where the Jews were expected to abide by, live by and honour the Romans and their ways. This was obviously not ideal for the Jewish people and they longed for, in alignment with ancient prophecy, for God to send them someone who would smoke their enemies . . .

Like many of the time, I think that they were expecting a Hebrew warrior to rise up, to rally his army and to fight the Romans, kicking their backsides all the way back to Rome itself . . .

What they got however, was something completely unexpected, almost baffling.

Behold, your King . . .

When Jesus appeared, He was not an amazing warrior - He arrived as a baby, born no less in and amongst animals.

Whilst Jesus grew up, we don’t know much at all about his formative, teenage or young adult years - He was almost MIA.

When He finally did make Himself visible and available for all to see, He was belittled as that kid down the road, Mary and Joseph’s boy, you know, that carpenter’s son . . .

And when He made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, He offered Himself up to be killed before them all, even by the Romans, the very ones the populace expected Him to smoke.

Behold, your King . . .

The Lord’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. They are BETTER.

You see, when God mapped out the way for salvation for ALL peoples, He planned Jesus’ birth and entrance. He planned His growth and development. He planned His sacrifice and ultimate ressurection.

I can say hand of heart, THANK THE LORD THAT HIS WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS, because my plans would not have worked out as eternally powerfully as His plans have.

Whanau, know that the Lord’s plans and His timing is DIFFERENT to yours . . . but it is GOOD.

I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.

Lots of love,

God.

Trust God.

Give your life to Him and follow His ways.

They’re good. Very good.

Choose God this Christmas.

Choose God for life.