DO YOU RECOGNIZE JESUS?

by Mari-Anna Stålnacke of Finland!

Jesus was not just any teacher. Jesus came so the dark corners of our lives could be restored. Jesus came because without him we would not be whole. His life, death, and resurrection changed our destiny. Yet many of us still live in darkness.

Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace. 
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion.
Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem.
Look, your king will come to you.
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.(Zechariah 9: 9, CEB, emphasis added)

Mari-Anna Stalnacke

Traditionally, entering the city on a donkey is seen as arriving in peace rather than as a king arriving on a warhorse. Jesus came in peace. He was a humble King who came on a colt. The world is used to warhorses and arrogant egos. We tend to pass by quiet and lowly things. That happened to many 2000 years ago. And that happens today.

Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace. 
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?

He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the warhorse from Jerusalem.
The bow used in battle will be cut off;
he will speak peace to the nations.
His rule will stretch from sea to sea,
and from the river
to the ends of the earth.
Moreover, by the blood of your covenant, 
I will release your prisoners 
from the waterless pit. 
Return to the stronghold, 
prisoners of hope.
(Zechariah 9: 1o-12, CEB, emphasis added)

Jesus did not come to impress the strong but strengthen prisoners. Jesus came to free the captive. What does held you captive today? Bitterness, fear, doubt, greed, worries, sin, selfishness? That’s why you need Jesus. That’s why Jesus came.

To set you free.
To make you whole.
To bring you hope and future.

Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace. 
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?

Gracious God,

Thank you for coming for us.
We need you!
We need to be set free!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Thank you for coming in peace.
Help us to seize the real things.
Enable us to recognize you.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Bless us with your peace.
Bless us with your grace.
Bless us with your presence.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Do you look for Jesus? How do you recognize him?

(Linked back to HERE - Mari's website)

(image by Google images)