This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am looking forward to celebrating Christmas with you. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, and, through his birth, we are given the power to, as the Gospel of John says, "become the children of God." In Scripture, God continually flips the script on what power is, what power does, and what power looks like. 

In terms of what power is, Jesus comes not as a conquering hero, but in the form of a baby born in a manger. Instead of preaching that power is the ability to oppress the poor or weak, Jesus says "blessed are the peacemakers" and "blessed are the poor." Jesus in his ministry shows us that power does not come from who we can keep out, but from who we include. He shows us that power eats and drinks with sinners and is not afraid to be with the sick. Finally, Jesus shows us that power does not look like a Roman riding a war horse, but a carpenter riding a donkey. 

This Christmas, as we welcome the Prince of Peace, I feel the call to be a peacemaker. As Christ calls us to the manger and eventually the cross, I look at a world divided and hear Christ calling us through works of mercy and acts of peace. As we pray for peace, I hear Christ call us to be more peaceful, loving, and welcoming. May we, as we celebrate the love of this season, be sure to share the love of God that was shared with us. Christ's birth is the story of Love made manifest. We live into this love best when we share it.

Merry Christmas!

Mitch+