The Christmas parties for the kids have finished, most of Africa is pretty much shut down til January and its almost time for a birthday party for Jesus. Just reflecting on what a great gift He has been in my life, and anyone else who has made Jesus the Lord of their life. I dare say….He is far and away The Greatest Gift.

When Jesus made his appearance in our world, it wasn’t with a lot of fanfare and with extravagant celebration. He CHOSE to be born in Bethlehem, a city that surely wasn’t a vacation hotspot of the day, in a barn that was full of animals, hay, a few rats and poop, and in a manger…..a feeding trough.

If this is where the Creator of the universe chose to be born, if this is where God showed up on Earth…what is He saying to us?

I think Jesus was saying, “I’m a real person and I’m here to relate with real people, to meet them right where they are, in the dirty places, where there’s animals, rats and poop. Even if it smells bad, I don’t need a red carpet rolled out for me, cuz YOU can be real when you come to me….just as you are”

So many times we think I need to get myself straightened out, then I’ll go to church.  I’m here to tell you…NOT SO!!!!  Its just the opposite, Jesus loves a mess….and He loves cleaning up a mess. He already knows that we smell bad, that we are in a rough place and maybe have made a mess of our life Jesus always seemed to be in hot water with the “religious” folks of the day for hanging out with all those sinners. I for one am so glad Jesus decided to hang out with me and my mess.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!!

It’s a great time for that end of year tax deduction, AND you can be a part of transforming lives in Africa. If you would like to partner with me in Africa:

www.WorldOutreach.org
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