12/22 - Some still come ...

We are all familiar with the usual suspects in the Christmas story: Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men.  In fact, we have become so accustomed to these characters and their customary place in the nativity scene that we often fail to remember what originally brought them to the manager.  When the Son of God entered our world some two-thousand years ago, He did so in the midst of great tumult and disorder.  Those who restlessly awaited the Messiah’s arrival yearned for the One who would “break the bow and shatter the spear” ushering in the new and glorious reign of God.  Orderliness from anarchy.  Love from violence.  Justice from wickedness.  Peace from chaos.  There was a lot riding on this child.  And this was preciously what brought the shepherds and the wise men to the cradle-side of their infant Savior.  They came to the manger hoping against hope that this child would bring the promised peace of God.  Peace for the world and peace for their souls.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Not much has changed since that glorious baby entered the world in a cow stall outside Bethlehem.  One needs only to examine the international news headlines to understand that we still live in a world replete with chaos and tumult.  Consequently, there are many who still approach the manager, not because it is the obligatory culmination of random seasonal frivolity, but because they still hope against hope that Jesus will be able to provide the peace for which they desperately long.  It is the hope that this child can offer something different: a peace that is able to withstand the chaos of the world in which they live.  Jesus said it best Himself, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This very minute, there are millions of vulnerable children in southern African who are wondering whether there is anyone in the world who cares if they live or die.  For these children, the manger is more than a handsome Christmas decoration.  Rather, it is their hope for peace.  The manger is their expectation of an inner tranquility and a sense of value that the world cannot take away. We have a unique opportunity to become part of the Christmas story whenever we introduce and extend the peace of Jesus to others in our world.  For this reason, it is time to bring some atypical characters into the Christmas story: you and me.  Forgotten Voices does many things to help meet the needs of vulnerable children in southern Africa, but none more critical than introducing them to Jesus.  Although Forgotten Voices often provides food, training, and supplies to our friends across the world, all of this is worthless unless it is accompanied with an introduction to the Messiah.  He is the only one who can truly save us.  His peace does not depend on circumstance.  This is the way Forgotten Voices is trying to love others well.

This year, as the blessed day of Jesus’ arrival approaches, I encourage you to become part of the Christmas story in a new way.  Through a gift to Forgotten Voices, take the hand of a child and together, come to the manager where peace awaits each of you.

Please click here to give.

God’s peace and blessings,

Jesse