"Are you the Son of God then?
"You say that I am."
Luke 22:70
I realize Christmas should be about comfort. Comfort foods. Comfort fires. Comfort family. Comfort songs. Comfort sentiments. Comfort.
As I read through Luke's account I am struck by the fact that our Walk to Christmas is Jesus' walk to the cross. And though I am warmed by accounts of healed beggars and returning prodigal sons, I can't fight off a sense of discomfort.
My discomfort comes from Jesus himself.
Jesus spoke in parables at times. At others his words were apocalyptic. And then there were the words that just seem harsh. His message centered on the Kingdom of God - both it's nearness (it's here-ness, if you will) and it's coming then-ness. He speaks of Temples crumbling, cities collapsing and the Glory of Heaven descending. He talks of betrayal and sacrifice; of resurrection and renewal.
And none of this is comfortable.
Remember in the next few days that babies in mangers are sentimental. Saviors on crosses alter history and hearts.
The God of all comfort is anything but comfortable. A comfortable Jesus is - if you'll allow - a tame Jesus. And the Jesus whose words I've been reading is not tame. He is not warm-hug status quo.
This week the world celebrates a baby's birth that caused stars to explode into being, wise men to journey and shepherds to freak out as angels, with full light show, cleared their throats to sing choruses in the sky.
On his last night Jesus shared his heart with those closest to him; and they argued about who among them was greatest. Then the God who glued molecules together to make the tongues of men, was mocked by mouths he could effortlessly close. He chose to be the Lamb led to slaughter. His accusers and tormentors didn't realize he was actually the Lion King wrapped in humility... for their sake (and ours).
Yes, he is a comforting Savior. But he is not comfortable.
God, you are the God of all comfort, but you are far too holy, glorious, and challenging for me to be comfortably self-righteous. Please continue to comfort me with grace as you reveal how uncomfortably awesome you are.
For now...
D
