Redeeming the Time: Changing the World 2

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice; this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (Jn 3:29, 30)

John the Baptist spoke these words on the eve of his martyrdom, and they are the secret of weathering the shakings that destroy evil.

We identify with God in His judgement of evil, in His wooing of righteousness. And in so doing, the part of us that is merely and fallenly human is shaken off. But the part that is the eternal core, which Christ is wooing will never be shaken. We can joy, therefore, even in the shakings.

Mary and Joseph weathered significant personal earthquakes as they awaited the birth of Jesus:

• Mary's character was impugned as she turned up pregnant, but unmarried. But she steadfastly focused on the promises of God, and rejoiced, composing that incredible poem, the Magnificat (Lk. 1:46 - 55).
• Joseph endured the disappointment of suspecting his virtuous betrothed of falling into gross sin. But he was ready to believe the astounding news that the angel brought him - that Mary's pregnancy was the result, not of black sin but of bright righteousness. (Mt. 1:18 - 25)

At our house, we will wait until dark and go out into the darkness to carol. As our civilization is falling into ruin around us, we will sing the hope of a new world; a world which Christ will be building among His people.

Don't forget to leave a comment - especially about how you will celebrate how Christ is changing your world!