Dr. and Mrs. Paul Manuel
Christmas 2019
Dear Family and Friends,
Many changes in life are temporary; they come and go. Other changes in life are permanent; they represent a ‘new normal,’ the introduction of fresh conditions that fundamentally alter a situation. Sometimes these changes are surprising even when they come with plenty of warning. Jesus’ birth was an event that introduced a ‘new normal,’ negative for those who were not paying attention or looking forward to his advent, like the king and some religious leaders, but positive for those who were paying attention and looking forward to his advent, like the magi and some shepherds:
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. (Matt 2:2)
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. (Luke 2:11-12)
Jesus’ advent also came with several pre-indicators for those really paying attention:
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. (Isa 11:1)
To us a child is born…. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6)
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isa 53:5)
So, what ‘new normal’ does Jesus’ advent represent? We often link his birth with his death, and rightly so, but his coming does not provide a new means of atonement. Pardon for sin had been available “from the creation of the world” (Rev 13:8). The ‘new normal’ of Jesus’ advent is, in part, the fundamental change it makes possible for God’s people to understand God’s plan and their role in it: that “by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Heb 10:14). Do you ever think of the holiday this way? Because of Jesus’ advent
you are “being made holy.”
With all the focus the holiday usually places on the preparations you make to meet with other people, consider also how you are preparing to meet with God and how you will represent Him this season. If Jesus came in part to make you holy, does that show in your various encounters with others, whether shopping, driving, or entertaining? Christmas is not merely about your remembering Jesus, it is about your representing him, as well. Are you paying attention and watching for those opportunities?
May you experience a joyous holiday as you grasp the holiness of this ‘new normal,’ both this season and this new year. Merry Christmas!
Linda and Pastor
