I cannot help but see God's hand when Sunday School and the morning message come together in an easy gratitude post.
Yes, it is the Christmas season, but today's readings and teachings both focused on the "for all" who are welcome at the manger. Even the Old Testament prophecies used the "for all" phrasing.
The mind of God is beyond my understanding, but His Word gives us a window into His heart. His desire for a restored relationship with humans was displayed when he said "yes" to an earthbound thirty-three years in human skin.
Of course, a real relationship requires more than knowing who someone is. It requires opening our hearts to be known from the inside out. Our Lord knows our sins and shortcomings before we confess them. The confession is good for our souls. Our Lord knows our strengths and weaknesses before we present ourselves to him as a "living sacrifice." His requirement is for us to believe and receive. If we truly believe, the change will be evident in our daily lives.
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer FOR ALL PEOPLES.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.” -Isaiah 56:6-8
His house is a house for ALL people. Mary and Joseph were devout. They knew of the coming Messiah, but never expected to play unique roles when the time was right. The wait had been so long that no one was really looking for Him.
In the "for all people," it was the humble shepherds who were on the job when the angels showed up with the good news. The "for all people" included the poorest, the ordinary, the seekers, the Magi, and the rich and powerful. Who would follow the star?
"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -Luke 2:10
This season, let our hearts rejoice in the gift of the baby who would change everything.
Today, I am grateful for a gift for "all."
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