Inspired by Matthew 2:13-18
“Now after [the wise men] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’” Matthew 2:13
Even as the world rejoices at the birth of the Savior, there is still tragedy, evil, and strife. While some are beginning to take down their Christmas decorations and get tired of the endless leftovers from their Christmas feasts, others are fleeing for their lives, or burying loved ones lost too soon, or wondering how they’re going to make it through another day in a world that seems set against them.
As the Christ child lay sleeping in his mother’s arms, the powers of this world were seeking to destroy him. This tiny infant had the power to bring about changes that would improve the lives of all, but only at the expense of greed, brutality, and control. This is what Christ came for.
The birth of Christ did not magically remove all struggles from the world, but his coming did provide us with an alternative to the status quo. We don’t have to live enslaved to the greed, brutality, and control that ensures the well-being of a few at the expense of many; we can turn instead to Christ, and recognize the value of all human beings, and work to ensure that all receive the dignity and respect befitting of beloved children of God. For that is what the power of Christ looks like.
Let us pray. Savior God, the powers of greed and selfishness have opposed you from the very beginning. Enable us to turn towards you, that we may spread your love and show your mercy to all your people. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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