nativity.

i went to see the nativity movie. i had my hesitations. i sat in the theater prior to the trailors and felt guilty about spending 7.50 on a movie depicting the birth of Christ. i felt as if i had fallen into the trap of the Christian culture. i had just spent some time in a Christian bookstore surrounded by veggie tales, self-help books, study guides promising you to aid in understanding scripture, picture albums w/ Bible verses, etc. i was overwhelmed w/ material items...and especially how American culture is consumed w/ "Jesus Trinkets." Blah.

I sat in the darkened theater as the music began to play and was swept into the story of how God made himself flesh and dwelt amongst us. wow. it was simply amazing. i urge every one to see this movie. may it propel you back into realizing the reason for this season. and awesome it was that God sent his son at that specific time, in that specific place, under those specific circumstances. all the prophecies lining up. the rough road that mary and joseph faced alone and then together. dang...the movie nearly aroused in me the desire to be married and have a man that sought to live a life in obedience to the Lord as Joseph did.

i hesitate urging you to watch the movie b/c sometimes too high of expectations leads to disappointment. so...don't let that happen. the movie just allowed me to picture the every day life of those alive when Jesus entered the world. they didn't sleep in nice, comfortable beds w/ heating blankets. they didn't have a mcdonalds to stop at on the side of the road. they didn't sit around and feel sorry for themselves. mary hadn't read all the books to help her understand the Torah. she didn't spend 10 hours a day in prayer.

what am i living for? is my life pleasing to the Lord? do i find joy in being his daughter? do we rejoice in being his chosen ones? are we overwhelmed that we live in the age where the messiah HAS come? oh...what joy we should have! what a hope in what is to come! i have messed up much in my life. i am a sinner in desparate need of a savior.

as i sat in the theater all my desires and hurts seemed so trite in light of reality. that God is real, and sent his son for our sake. for all of mankind. to redeem his people unto himself. who am i...to think i deserve anything more? humble me lord. humble us. may we view ourselves rightly before you. may we see you in your glory... may you increase, and we decrease.