Tonight on Christmas Eve, we lean into the power of a simple question: why? Jesus became human, embodied and fulfilled countless prophecies and scriptures, and did it all in a way and place that few people expected. But why? The story of Christmas gives us a picture of joy and hope that can and does exist in all circumstances and against all odds.
Our world has an awkward relationship with power and position. Most of us have experienced abuses of power and position being leveraged for less than Christ-like reasons. We often think of power as an over-and-against move, but scripture paints another picture of leader, power, and king. Jesus was to come and be the king of all kings, above and more powerful than all the
previous kings. Yet, he came with humility, seeking justice, and living a selfless life.
Since I was young, I have heard Christians talk about Jesus being our Lord and Savior. This implies we are being saved from something or someone. Too often, our answers are anemic or at best incomplete. Jesus saves us from going to hell, and one day when we die, we go to heaven with God. Which is all true. AND. Jesus promises that his saving changes our today as well. That he saves us from the narratives of our world that leave us longing for more. That he saves us from a life driven solely by what you can produce or make or earn. Jesus comes to save us not just for one day in the future, but to transform how we live today also.