JESUS IS FOR . . . THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Mt 2:1-2)
The Christmas story reminds us that Jesus is for those who are not like us and strangers to our way of life. Jesus is for people of other cultures and economic classes – for people who don’t speak the same language. Jesus is for people across the sea or who simply live on the other side of “the tracks”, “the [James] River,” or I-95. Whatever divides us in the world shouldn’t divide us in Christ. The wise men remind us to have an open heart towards people who are different than us and to learn how much Jesus loves them and is calling them to know Him. Jesus reminded the Jews of this same thing when He said, “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast . . . in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 8:11)
Advent Prayer & Action _____________________________
Ask Jesus to bring you peace in places you where you feel different and unaccepted.
Pray for those who are not accepted in your work or in our community this Christmas.
Celebrate the crazy differences in your own home or family. Take a moment to say what you appreciate about each person or leave a note or email for them.