Christmas: An Invitation to Outsiders

The message of the Gospel is far from exclusive, but sometimes it seems so because of our insider’s lingo.  It’s almost as if one must have a special introductory class to get in on what’s going on. 

·         What is your eschatological position on the rapture?

·         What is your hermeneutical approach to Revelation?

·         Are you a Calvinist or an Armenian?

·         Is your marriage egalitarian or complementarian?

·         Are you a dispensationalist or a reformer?

·         When it comes to the Lord’s Supper, do you understand the difference between transubstantiation, memorialism and consubstantiation?

Christmas uncomplicates.  It highlights profound simplicity.  The message is an invitation to the outsiders Jesus came to seek and save.  

 “She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.”

"There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them, and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

“But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage."