v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}

“Everyone can love Jesus, the new baby lying in his crib …

as long as he is not God.”*

But Jesus who is God is too demanding.

Separately they will do,

A somewhat close but imaginable relationship Jesus is asking,

But a God is so outrageous,

a demand on the intellect & human courage!

We know God is ever greater, but a God who is ever nearer?

Nearer means dealing with the relationship,

dealing with one who is ALWAYS

reaching out,

gifting us,

forgiving us

always nudging us to betterness

like a parent, a teacher, a mentor?

More..not even close

Yes, the infant grew up and grew in

. wisdom, grace and age.

And now the man/God, asks “Who do you say I am?”

The man/God says, “I was hungry and you fed me.”

The Man/God says, “I call you friends.”

And he even says,

“Whoever believes in me

will do the works that I do and will do greater ones

than these!”

Lord, grant that I may see, grant that I may believe, that I may do.

THIS IS WHO OUR GOD IS AND WHAT OUR GOD ASKS THIS

CHRISTMAS, 2009

* Rosemary Houghton, “The Passionate God”