Who is this Jesus of Nazareth whose birthday we celebrate this week?
I think he is many different things to different people.
Some say he came into our world with a purpose, to save us from our sins by dying on the cross.
I think he came to save us from ourselves by showing us how to live.
When he said on his last night, at the Passover table, "do this in remembrance of me," I think a part of what he meant was to live as he lived, with a purpose and as an example to others, not on being perfect, but in trying to live by certain principles.
He is called the Son of God, but chose to be born in a staple, to live with tax collectors, fishermen, and prostitutes, in poverty,
On his last night, as a final lesson to his followers, this King of Kings washed their feet,
teaching that those in power should serve those they lead,
not be served by them.
He said, "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."
His philosophy of life was simple,
We should love one another as God loves us.
We should share our good fortune with those less fortunate.
We should be slow to judge and quick to forgive.
Leaders should serve the people, not the other way around.
God loves all of us equally, there are no "classes" in His eyes.
We should endeavor to set aside "temptations", to travel lightly, coming to know and trust the Father.
We can serve only one God, and "money and greed" is not His name.
God is our Father and we are all sisters and brothers.
.
Simple, but not easy.
Christmas is a Christian holiday, but they philosophy above is not Christian.
It is universal.
My wish this Christmas is that we remember these universal truths and live by them the best we can.
However you see the Nazarene, I wish you peace.
Merry Christmas.
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