The Lord will give up his people until the one who is having a baby gives birth; then the rest of his relatives will return to the people of Israel. Micah 5:3
The Christmas season is one of the most happy and sad times of the year. People are excited about a number of things at Christmas, the plans for family and friends coming to visit, the thoughts of what gifts to give those we love, and the celebration of hope in the Christ child. However, statistics show that stress and depression rise most around this holiday season. It also exposes the gap between those who have and those who do not. One of the things that become most apparent is the brokenness of our relationships. At a time where our families and friends ought to be closest to us we realize how distant and fractured some our relationships are.
When I think of Mary’s Christmas story, I see the coming of Jesus dividing people into two groups. There were those who chose to believe and those who didn’t. Disbelief brought division in relationships. Mary’s parents, Joseph for a short time and her friends and neighbors struggled because of unbelief. Herod sought to even kill Jesus. But, belief in the child of hope and peace brought people together. We see people from totally different socio-economic backgrounds coming together to worship. They all found hope and unity. Belief unites and give hope.
The Father sees the brokenness of His people. He sees the brokenness in your life too. He has a plan to bring and unite His people in faith, hope, and love. Take a moment to think of those you are disconnected with right now. Let your belief in Jesus give you hope and strength to forgive those you are distant from. Ask the Father for the love He has to be yours toward those relationships in your life that are broken. Believe through Jesus that you can.
Suggested Longer Reading: Micah 5:2-5
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