Wednesday, December 19, 2012

In the gift of Christmas...


"In the gift of Christmas,
the unassailable, omnipotent God
became a baby,
giving us the ultimate example of letting our defenses down...
Christmas tells us that God became breakable and fragile.
God became someone we could hurt.
Why?
To get us back.
And if you believe this and take it into your life,
you're blessed.
As you take in the truth of what He did for you-
how loved and affirmed you are-
you'll be able to let down your defenses in your own relationships with other people.
You won't always need to guard your honor.
You'll be able to let the barriers down.
You'll be able to move into intimate relationships with other people.
What is in the package of Christmas?
His vulnerability for intimacy with us,
which gives us the vulnerability to be intimate with the people around us."

-Tim Keller







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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.