Reversal

The Lord has a way of doing what we would not expect. Jesus rarely said what people expected to hear. His Kingdom operates on a completely different platform. This is evident in Mary's song from Luke 1 ...

    He scatters the proud
      He brings down rulers from their thrones
          He exalts the humble
             He fills the hungry
                The rich go away empty

Those we expect to receive are passed over and those to whom we would not pay any attention have His blessing in abundance. Several of the parables of Jesus refer to this great reversal. Of course we see these unexpected reversals in the Christmas story. We have shepherds and foreigners being invited and kings being overlooked; we have a baby rather than a King; a lamb instead of a conqueror, poverty and obscurity rather than riches and renown, a crucifixion instead of ruling...

This is Good News for us!! He brings us from darkness to light, from rags to clothing of righteousness, from separation and isolation to nearness and intimacy, from enemies to beloved children!! The arrival of a baby - God in flesh - brought the great hope and promise of a reversal in our lives. As a recipient - I am now called to live by these new kingdom foundations - to bless those who don't expect it, to give to those in need , to love the unloved, to demonstrate the heart of the Gospel!