Crazy… There are convictions of the Christian faith that simply seem absurd. To think that the creator of the Universe – God Almighty – took on human form and became vulnerable before us! To believe that God Almighty was born in one of the most abandoned, poor and ignored places of the world during the first century of our era! To believe that God chose a manger in a tiny hamlet over a palace in a great city! Crazy… it seems crazy. The story does not end there, though. There are more convictions of the Christian faith that are difficult to believe. To think that it is possible to be part of a global community where racial, gender and economic differences do not separate people! To believe that it is possible to break down the walls that divide us and celebrate our experiences of following Jesus in community! To believe that a new creation is possible where mutual forgiveness is real and love makes it possible to think differently without breaking apart! Edward Hicks (1780–1849), a Quaker preacher in the United States, knew very well how to express these convictions based on Isaiah 11. As can be seen in the replica of one of Hicks’ paintings above, he shows us a new world where creatures that annihilated one another before now live together in harmony, thanks to the Saviour who makes this new reality possible. Absurdities… yes… many absurdities that our world today desperately need to hear – and see – again. Let us live in the reality of a new creation as we celebrate Christmas this year. Let us offer a tangible witness of what it means to be a part of our global church. |