Christmas is right around the corner. People are rushing out to buy last minute gifts and snag desperate gift cards for those whom they forgot to buy for. Music that takes us back in time fills the radio waves and nights feel a little brighter in the neighborhoods around us. It truly is a wonderful time of the year. A time that is filled with expectant hope.
In the classic Christmas hymn O Holy Night, we get a glimpse of that hope that at times feels too good to be true.
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
With all that we in our world today, it can be hard to see these lyrics as viable and true. And maybe you find yourself this Christmas caught in a tangled mess of chains.
"How could this baby born break my chains and stop all oppression and injustice? When I still see injustice and oppression?"
I can't explain or understand the complexities of evil we see in our world. Nor can I even understand my own filth. As Paul said in Romans "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." It is this tension in self of pure frustration for committing what we wish not to become, but do so anyways.
I can't speak for others because they may land to different conclusions on how to approach a topic like this. But, this is what I am learning.
First, I've learned more in depth that God is mercy. He does not just obtain mercy and eventually runs out like handing out cash. He is mercy. He is love. He is compassion. Meaning that he never runs dry. In fact, it is in our own mess that he longs to draw closest to us. He delights to show mercy. He is not reluctant to break our chains when we approach Him. Both slave and free. Poor and rich. Invited to dine together.
This I believe. Does it provide me an answer to all my questions? No. In fact it leaves me more confused. But, in a beautiful way. I am forgiven and loved. My chains have been broken. Why? I'm not sure. I know He loves me. He shows me grace and mercy time and time again and I don't know why. What does He see in me?
Maybe this is the time of year I am reminded of it's not so much of how I see myself, but how He sees me. The Creator. The baby born in a stable. God, taking on my human flesh and feeling the pain and hurt I feel. We all feel. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
In Him, we can feel chains break in our own lives now. And I do believe one day, all oppression shall cease. Look at the lengths that God went for us by sending His son. Won't he finish what he started and right all things in this world? That is the hope we hold on to. At least I do. That He will return and we shall see Messiah.
Until then, we praise His holy name for what he has done and is doing to bring peace and righteousness in this life. Expectant that the babe in the manger will return once again to end all oppression. Break all chains. And abide with us, those who believed in His name.
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