Family Problems

Last Sunday we began the Christmas season by lighting our first candles and telling old stories about humanity's historic hunger. Even before Jesus was born humanity knew our need. A man named Isaiah spoke about and told people that they should never allow the past to determine the future. A new beginning was coming (Isaiah 9:1-7).

Traditionally we believe the Christmas season to be a time for family renewals. However, for many the Christmas season is the time in the year that they face with the greatest loneliness. The celebration of others reminds them of all they do not have. They gather and notice the tragedies of their own families. Their thoughts are full of missed opportunities, loss, and broken relationships.

A little over 2,000 years ago, a tax collector named Matthew wrote a story about Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew began his story by telling Jesus' family history (Matthew 1). It was not a pretty story. In fact, Matthew chose to tell all of the embarrassing stories in Jesus' extended family. He signaled out 5 different women to leave the audience thoroughly embarrassed. One was a deceiver. Another was a prostitute. The most socially respected was a foreigner. The most influential in society was an adulterous. The last was an unwed teenage mother. The family history was not the type that we like to tell when we need to impress people with our pedigree.

Sound familiar? Any stories in your life you would not like to be told in public? Do you ever just wish they would go away and you could get a new start?

Thankfully, Matthew continues and tells us that a child is born who changes it all. His very presence says that God will come near to us and give us a new start. No matter what circumstances we have found ourselves in a new beginning is possible.

I hope to see you this week as we continue the discovery of Christmas.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave