Couple of Christmas shots taken around the neighborhood, that triggered a few thoughts...
Obviously, this scene was not intended to look like this by the owners of said nativity set. However, I think it does speak to our current situation.
Let me digress/explain...first, let me say that Joseph in the Bible is an absolute stud, who probably does not get the recognition he deserves. I mean what guy would stick by his girl when she claims to have been impregnated by the Holy Spirit? Joseph does not abandon her. He does not shame her. He sticks by her. However, in our culture today we have far too few Josephs. Whereas Joseph assuredly was in awe and wonder of the Christ child, as Mary is exhibiting in this photo, many of today's men (Christians included) are more comfortable taking the posture of Joseph in this picture, instead of worshiping Jesus. Men need to be leading the charge, not laying on their backs. Too many of us men sit idly by, embracing a passive approach to the faith. I know I'm ranting a bit, and I'm probably reading into the photo too much, but when I passed this scene I had to go back and get my camera. I hope things change. I hope God uses our church plant to raise up Godly men who lead their families and the church well..
This second photo was taken a few mornings ago while out on a walk with Caspian. I passed it and had to go back and snap a picture. Though the lights don't show up well in the shot, I love the way these folks were connecting Christmas with the bigger redemptive story of Jesus and the Cross. It was a good reminder for me that during this season we are not just celebrating a little baby as an end in itself. This little baby would grow up into a man. He would live a sinless life. He would satisfy the wrath of God by bearing this cross. I hope we all take some time this Christmas season not only to reflect on the gift of the baby, but also on the gift of the cross. Without the cross there would be nothing ultimately to celebrate.
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