Usually we think of the Christmas story from an earthly point of view—shepherds, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. But Scripture also gives us a view of the nativity story from God’s perspective—a story of cosmic battles, angels and demons, and a salvation that stretches across space and time.
Mary’s song describes God’s heart for the humble and oppressed. As followers of Jesus we are called to share God’s heart by being mindful of those in need and moving toward them in love, encouragement and service.
Jesus holds the whole world in his hands—our lives, our future, history, every nation and all creation. Shouldn’t that give us a sense of peace, joy and security this Christmas?
We usually think of justice as punishment for offenders, but the biblical concept of justice is more focussed on restoration for victims. Jesus came as the bearer of God’s justice for the world, offering the loving, suffering justice of God to all those who are needy and downtrodden.
Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, bringing God’s shalom into the world and establishing the kingdom of peace on earth. As those who have received this peace we are called to be his bearers of shalom in the world, pursuing reconciliation and peace-making in relationships with those around us.