When I reflect on the birth of Jesus, many thoughts come to mind. The circumstances of his birth in a stable and his need to flee with his family to a foreign country to avoid danger. There are so many parallels today.
But what is most important to me is his decisions about how to live his life and the examples he set for me.
He did not seek wealth or fame. He spent is public adult life with a small group of close friends, sharing friendship, food and drink with them and teaching them a gospel of love, of tolerance, and of service. He accepted the outcasts of his day, the tax collectors, the prostitutes, the sinners. He asked that these close friends spread his message. As one of his last lessons, he washed the feet of his students, showing that true leadership means service to others.
He taught us how to live (if we pay attention to his lessons) I think that is his greatest gift to us.
