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12-16-18 Advent – Change – Shaking Up the Status Quo

Change: Shaking Up the Status Quo

Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:8-21

God declares in Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” One of the things this verse tells us is that our view of life is limited and that we should not be content with the status quo. That passage continues to say that God’s word will go out and accomplish His purpose which results in our joy and peace. The story of Christ’s birth speaks to some of God’s dynamics of change.

Stability and Change

Both can be good or bad

We experience both in varying degrees

How do we embrace God’s gift of stability and change?

Perception and Reality

Not in a state capitol but in a small town

Not to earthly royalty but to ordinary people

Not in a palace but in a stable and fields with sheep

Not to the elite but to working class and foreigners

Not with wide proclamation but to a few

What is our perception of life and what is God’s reality?

Receiving and Responding

Not our initiative but God’s work

Not with pride or privilege but with humility

Not controlling information but open to truth

Not closed to what is new but ready for what God brings

Not seeking self-exaltation but glorifying God

Not pursuing greater earthly treasure but treasuring Jesus

Not containing truth and joy but making it known

How do we receive and respond to God’s truth and grace?

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