This Present Hope - Reconciliation

Christmas might be the most difficult time of year to filter what is part of the Jesus story and what is part of the culture story. It can be difficult not feel numb to words like "peace" and "reconciliation," but to abandon them would be to abandon God’s radical and subversive act of incarnation. When God says he brings Peace on Earth at Christmas, he does it through the reconciling work of Jesus. Jesus’ birth isn’t just cute and feel good. Jesus' birth announces that the hostility between God and men and women can be over. Jesus' birth announces that the hostility between races and tribes and traditions can be ended. Jesus' birth announces that the dissonance and discord we feel with ourselves can be solved. Jesus is called a savior because he saves and his birth at Christmas is God’s voice shouting to us that he will provide peace and reconciliation.