Day 360: Zephaniah 3 - Haggai 2; Revelation 16

Today I find it challenging not to pause from the judgment of Zephaniah, Haggai, and Revelation and focus on the birth of Jesus. True, His arrival on earth is an aspect of God's judgment. It was our sin, our Sin, that necessitated His advent. That is to our shame...that is, the shame of the human race. Though judgment comes wrapped in swaddling clothes, it's so difficult not to see the greater reality in that beautiful and innocent God-Child. How much does God love you and me? He entered the mess of our world at a messed-up time in a truly messy environment. Where should I find my Creator this day? In a cave filled with cattle, saturated with sheep-odor, behind the obscurity of the village rooming house. Yes, He is there and everywhere we may not want to go, but everywhere that Love will reach to rescue His loved-ones from the messed up brokenness of their lives. Yes, I see love to the extreme. Love so much greater than any love I have lived. And, my heart is overwhelmed, for this love pursued and found me. Yes, this I know, this self-giving, all-consuming Love did not arrive with judgmental condemnation, but with a heart to save...yes, to seek and save the lost. This is the love I embrace, and if I could, I would go running with the shepherds to that manger. Would you meet me there?