A Christmas Story....

2-7The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation,you expanded its joy. Oh, they're so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—all their whips and cudgels and curses—Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. Isaiah 9

It all started in a garden with two trees and a choice; to believe God and stay connected, or to take matters into our own hands. With one terrible choice the human race was disconnected from the God as we chose knowledge over life. After the fall, darkness spread throughout the earth. Some took refuge in religion, and horrible things were done in the name of Godly institution. Each generation tried to know and do more good, hoping to change something. Each generation believed they knew a better way, a greater way, with more rules to follow and more guidelines to adhere to. But no amount of rules or law brought any change to the human race. ...Until a tiny babe in a manager graced us with His presence. That night changed the world and everything in it, the day that God incarnate came to live among His people. He challenged the Pharisees, lifted the burden of religion and the need to be perfect. His kept company with prostitutes and tax collectors, set captives free, healed illnesses and cast out demons. He fed thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish, and He challenged people to think differently about who God is and who they are in Him, and He conquered death. And He's still doing that today. He's still speaking, He's still setting prisoners free daily. He is still healing, still shedding light in dark places, making us think differently about who He is and who we are in Him, and bringing Life to the dead and dark places of this world. The story of Christmas is one that is being played out daily. It is the beginning of life and the end of death. It is the beginning of freedom, and the end of bondage. Today and every other day is changed because of one dark night in a stable so very long ago.