"Karma will get you", I hear some people say as they look upon a person who was doing something morally wrong. Karma is a tool that some religious thinkers have used to solve the problem of justice. Karma is a natural law that enforces moral justice. Karma could manifest itself in life, where a person suffers for an evil he has done. Karma could also manifest itself in a later life, where the deceased person who has done evil gets reincarnated as a lower life form or in a miserable estate. Karma is basically the concept of reaping and sowing, or the statement "what goes around comes around".

     Human experience seems to validate this concept, at least in life. Evil people do fall, sometimes violently. However, human experience seem to also invalidate this concept. Evil people sometimes prosper. Karma contradicts the Christian view of the nature of the moral law. Karma posits an impersonal moral law that is inviolable. In Christian theology, the moral lawgiver is a personal being and the moral law is a reflection of his moral nature. This personal being is gracious, giving good things to both those who are good and those who are evil.  He is merciful, not dealing with us as our sins deserve. Because this personal being is gracious, we live in a gracious universe. 

     I have heard a friend say that looking at his little daughter makes him feel that he has been granted an undeserved favor. Despite all the wrongs he has done, the joy he feels with his daughter makes it seem that God has provided him more good than he deserves.

     As I reflect on my friend's feelings, I get a glimpse of what it means to live in a gracious universe. Is it an impersonal law that guarantees payback for wrongs we have done the regulator of our moral universe? Or is it a gracious God who provides us with good things, notwithstanding the wrong things we do? What kind of people are we to be then? Are we to be a people who pat ourselves in the back, telling ourselves that we have these good things in our life because we have been good? Or are we to be a people of gratitude, bowing our heads and our hearts to the one who gives us the good we do not deserve?

     The story of the Magi intrigues me. These astrologers (Astrology is forbidden for God's people) found Jesus through their reading of the heavenly bodies. We don't know what the Magi thought about Jesus, only that they thought there was something special with him. Maybe they are following a prophecy from their own religion? The star that the magi saw points to the true light of the world, the one who shows us the truth about ourselves and about God. However, the Magi may have seen the stars as the source of truth. That would dishonor the creator, the light of the world, who made the stars.  However, God was gracious to them, not letting them die in the hands of Herod.

     What does this have to do with Karma? Despite the differing worldview, Karma points to the reality of the God of justice behind the universe. However, this God of justice is not an impersonal force. This God of justice sent his son Jesus to fulfill the demands of his justice. Jesus died in place of those who will believe in him. This sacrifice is the greatest evidence that the universe is filled with the grace of God, not ruled by an impersonal moral law. When we think about it, an impersonal moral law is scary. It will punish us because we have not done right perfectly and our hearts pull us towards evil. Thank God that he is a God who shows mercy.

     It's been a long time since the death of Osama Bin Laden. Many people saw that event as justice vindicated, and they are right. A man who kills with impunity needs to be called into account for his crimes. I would like to comment on two reactions to the news of Bin Laden's death. 

     The hypocrisy of many people was revealed. A radio station host characterized Bin Laden's death as the death of the worst person in the world. That reaction runs counter to the apostle Paul's humility. The apostle Paul called himself the worst of sinners, who is desperately in need of God's mercy. Do we see ourselves in that light- sinners in desperate need of God's mercy? Or do we see ourselves as basically good, who makes mistakes once in a while?

     On the one hand, we are made in the image of God who shows his goodness towards everyone- giving food, clothing, etc. It is not helpful to call ourselves pure sinners. There are forces within us that want to get along with others, to be helpful. We see that in children and if a person completely does not care about what others think, we would label that person mentally ill. We develop bonds with our families and friends, bonds that may cause us to sacrifice our interests, including our lives, for others.

     On the other hand, God requires us to love him above everything else. However, human love for God is not something we can work in ourselves, just like we cannot fall in love by choice. Biblical teaching seems to indicate that human beings don't love God naturally, and they love people and/or things more than God. Love so strong it causes a person to become willing to give up everything else, happens through a spiritual transformation. A person is drawn by the object of his love. If we love God, its not because we made a choice to love God but because we are drawn to God by God himself. Also, God's will is that love for others would not stop with those whom we have affinity with- family and friends whom we get along with. Jesus calls us to love even our enemies, those who harm us. That is how stringent God's standard is for us, and it is not the natural human tendency to love his enemies. The natural human tendency is to desire the harm of his enemies. 

     The apostle Paul must have called himself the worst of sinners because he discovered that he could not reach God's standard of righteousness. He caused the murder of the followers of Jesus, who was God incarnate. He changed his ways not by choice but through an encounter with Jesus. He probably looked at himself and became aware of the prejudices and hatred in him, and that without God's Spirit, he could not love those who oppose him. May we be so self-aware that we realize that we don't just sin by mistake once in a while, but we sin because our natural tendency is to hate God and hate our neighbor.  

    The death of Bin Laden also resulted in celebration on the streets, as if a war has been won. It is true that a terrorist leader was killed. However, the battle against terrorism is not over because the ultimate enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual powers. Ideology is a spiritual power that blinds people to God and other people. Ideologues care only for their agenda, even though they may have started off caring about other people. Many communists probably started off sincere in their desire to alleviate poverty. However, when communists have taken power, there was oppression and massive killings. How could this be? This happened because ideologues are blinded by their ideology, the suffering it causes the people they purport to help.

     I was reading in a book the account of a man who abandoned terrorism for more peaceful political solution. His reasoning was that terrorism does not work. I was angered by this statement. This man did not show remorse or sorrow for all the people who were killed. He was so focused on his agenda that he does not seem to care about the suffering he has caused- families who have to mourn the sudden loss of their fathers, mothers, and children. 

     Jesus chastised the Pharisees for putting law above people to the point of being upset with him for healing a man on the sabbath. Jesus chastises us today for being so focused on our ideologies, on how we believe the world should be, that we ignore the needs of people. May God develop in us compassion for everyone and humility towards him that we strive to look after everyone's interests, not the victory of our ideology. Soli Deo Gloria. 

      One incident that broke my heart was witnessing my daughter cry so hard because another child would not play with her, and was even avoiding her. I held her in my arms as she cried that the other child does not like her. As a father, there is a part of me that wanted to protect her from painful experiences. However, I also know that there is no way to completely protect my child from all physical and emotional pain. It will be a part of her life. 

     This incident reminded me of a statement in the TV show "House". The main character (Dr. House) refused to allow a dying man to give up treatment. Instead of honoring the man's wish, Dr. House sedated the man and performed the treatment he wished to perform. One of the doctors asked Dr. House why they could not just help the man live his last days in peace. Dr. House commented "You either help a man live or you help him die".

     As I thought about this statement, I realized that all life will end in death. There are ways we try to hold death at bay- cosmetic surgery, working so hard to leave a legacy. The truth is, we who are living are marching towards death. Our bodies that do not work as well as it used to, the transitions of our lives, the relationships that have fizzled through time - these experiences should remind us that life is transitory and it will end in the final loss we will experience, death.

     Since death hangs like a cloud over all of us, it behooves us to prepare for death. How will life be different if we acknowledge this truth?

1. We will teach our children (and ourselves) to live with pain, guiding them through it and preparing them for it. A parent's tendency is to protect our children from pain, maybe by giving them all they want. However, life does not work that way. Many times we could not have what we want, and many times we lose the things that make us happy. This is despite how much money we have or how loving we are.

2. We will not hold on so tightly to the past. It is painful to hear a person reminisce so many times about when their child was four years old, and that child was already twenty. As a Christian, the past is a way to see God's work, making me who I am today and giving me times of happiness. In the past, I see the goodness of the God who is with me today, the great "I am" who walks with me through the transitions of life. It is not productive to desire the past since life is destined to move forward. 

3. We will not hold so tightly to what we have. There will be a modicum of non-attachment to what we have. This is paradoxical since the things we have gives us a sense of security- money, position, relationships. It is helpful to remember that, although things are a gift from God, they will not ultimately stop pain- which is a reminder of our impending death. A counterweight to non-attachment is responsibility. We are responsible to use our resources for the good of our world, and to be committed in our relationships. We need to live with sense of responsibility and the non-attachment that comes through knowing the transitoriness of life. 

4. We will be prepared for death. In one parable of Jesus, a servant was irresponsible in handling his master's money. The master is about to find out his irresponsibility and will most probably throw him out of his house. Therefore, he fudged the books to make friends. He lowered debts of those people who owe his master money. He did this so others may like him and take him in their houses when his master throws him out. I always wondered why Jesus commended this man's sneakiness. However, this story is not about being ethical. This story is about being prepared for judgment, which follows our inevitable death. Are we doing everything we can to be prepared for it? In Christian tradition, a good death depends on our relationship with Jesus. That relationship is one of faith. Do we walk with Jesus in faith that he will lead us to the good life, and take us to be with him after death? To die in faith is to have a good death.    

     He walks around aimlessly, intermittently looking outside the window, unable to speak or respond, just smiling, having to be constantly redirected physically. This is a child with a severe case of autism. It is improbable to have a discussion about religious truths with this child and he will never develop that ability. Can he have a relationship with his creator?

    That observation made me think about how we make faith something so complex that it is impossible for a segment of the population to be "saved" (have a right relationship with God and be in heaven with him).  I am thinking of the practice of making lists, however long, of essential doctrines to be believed to be considered "saved". The reality is children or people with mental disabilities are not be able to completely grasp the truths in those lists. They may not be able to understand the depths of sin, therefore could not even say the sinner's prayer with sincerity. God forbid we may also become one of those whose mind prevents them from having an articulate faith. Are those lists or requirements  important to God? Is an accurate view of the trinity or the atonement proofs of salvation? If that is the case, then how will these precious creations of God going to find salvation?

      My purpose for this reflection is to have us think about what is really important to God, to put our lives in the hands of Jesus. Jesus himself is the way to eternal life. Is your life in Jesus' hands? Are you depending on him everyday to lead you into right paths and provide for your needs? Is he your hope in life and in death? Are you known as a person who puts his life in Jesus' hands? When the day comes when your mind could not think as clearly as it used to, are you so devoted to Jesus right now that the constant sounds that people hear will be songs of praise to the Savior? Its this simple faith that God requires of us and he requires for us to teach and model to our children and to our world.

     I used to be unimpressed by this simple faith I see in the elderly, especially those who have lost the ability to think clearly. I used to be unimpressed by children's faith because it was not deep enough. However, as I know the Savior more and more, the faith displayed by those whom we consider unsophisticated- in their words and in their songs, has become a source of joy. It gives me a glimpse of the day when "Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the father." 

     One of the hardest parables to apply in life is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A person asks "Who is my neighbor", and Jesus answers by showing a glimpse of what it means to love your neighbor. Leaving aside the issue of the model of a loving neighbor being a Samaritan, what do we learn about loving the neighbor in this parable?

     Thinking of this parable made me think of a stranded motorist in a highway. Does loving your neighbour mean stopping and helping the stranded motorist? Would it be enough to just call the police? Going out of the way to stop for a stranded motorist has its risks. What if it was a setup? What if it will take you away from your other responsibilities? Calling the police is an unsatisfactory response, even though it is a good move, since the duty of caring for the neighbour has been passed on to others. Its the same as havng other people care for others when it is within our power to help them. That is not the love shown by the Good Samaritan who invested himself so the wounded man can be healed.  

     It is hard to pontificate on this issue because it is tough to follow the action of the good Samaitan who risked his life and set aside his agenda to help out a person in need. We can't strongly blame the other two people who passed by the wounded man. We probably would have done the same thing if helping a neighbour will risk our lives or our agenda. The good Samaritan is hard to follow because his action entailed something beyond compassion. Most of us feel compassion when we see suffering, and may even give money to alleviate suffering. However, the good Samaritan went beyond compassion. He acted on his compassion by sacrificing his agenda for a time, his safety, and possibly his life. He personally treated the man's wounds. This kind of sacrifice is not inherent in the hearts of humans.  

     My purpose is not to call people to do certain things. My purpose is to help people look at their attitudes. Loving the neighbor starts with the attitude of willingness to sacrifice for the neighbor. The wars that our nation participate in have a humanitarian component, even though the motives of our leaders are most probably not pure. I sympathize with the anti-war sentiments, whether from the left or from the right. However, I want to point out that these anti-war sentiments show a lack of willingness to sacrifice for our neighbors. I understand that America can't be the savior of the world, and America does not help all the suffering equally. However, I believe we can be supportive of the steps taken to alleviate suffering overseas. We can't be so focused on our needs as a nation, which are plenty, that we get angry about American involvement in war. I am not opposed to asking our government to think about our national needs and accept that we cannot end all suffering. However, as a strong nation, America has the power to alleviate some suffering. Therefore, my call is for the toning down of the anti-war rhetoric. God commands his people a lot of times to stand up for the weak and we should be supportive of America's involvement with standing up for the weak. Violence is not a permanent solution to the chaos in the world, but violence does bring order for a time. Violence is sometimes necessary to save lives.

     One of the best examples of loving the neighbour in this present time are the adoptive parents of Michael Oher, an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. His story is told in the movie "Blindside." His adoptive parents saw him as a neighbor in need, they gave him a home, and guided him through life. Their action helped Michael Oher develop into who he is today. Some may argue that they could have sacrificed more of their resources (they were rich) so more people can be helped. However, they did invest their lives, and they made a decision that was criticized by others, and a person who was homeless not only found a home but found love. They did not throw money at the problem, which is not the most loving response to suffering. As we look at our world with these examples of sacrificing for the neighbor, instead of being critical, let us examine our attitudes towards the neighbor right in front of us. We don't have to go to urban slums or overseas to find the "neighbor" in need. Are we willing to sacrifice our agendas for that neighbor? That is the kind of love Jesus calls us to. 

     In Clash of the Titans, the god of the underworld, Hades, had a plan to take over as head of the Greek pantheon (gods and godesses), a position occupied by Zeus. His plan was to make mankind hate Zeus by bringing calamities upon mankind, so that they will not worship him anymore. Devoid of worship, the powers of Zeus will diminish, opening the way for Hades to defeat Zeus. Zeus definitely needed worship, or he diminishes.

     This plan made me think of the question, "Does God need anything?" Does the creator need anything? If we look at only the need for survivival, the creator in a theistic worldview is the source of life, therefore, he does not depend on anything outside him to give him life. Besides, not being confined in a body, he does not have the same need for sustenance as human bodies do. He also does not depend on anything outside of himself to keep him safe, the second tier in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. No one can harm God the creator, who is the source of all power.

    What should we consider need? Is it just what is necessary for survival, or is there more to need? Should we completely separate need from desire? Or is desire a pointer to something deeper that humans need? Is Maslow right in extending human need beyond survival and identifying three more tiers- love, self-esteem, and self-actualization? There are reports that some infants died from lack of interaction, they just failed to thrive. This seems to show that a sense of love is necessary for a person to thrive.  When God created Adam, he judged his creation to be incomplete because no suitable mate was found for Adam. God definitely thought that Adam needed a mate, even though Adam did not die from being alone. Since humans today experience loneliness, it makes sense to believe that the first man experienced loneliness, a desire/need for another, and God lovingly met that need/desire. This points to the validity of seeing need as something beyond what is necessary for survival, what is necessary for God's creation to be complete. If God created man with the need for another, then we can't dismiss the desire for another as superfluous need. Man feels a hole in his being when this need is not met. It does not kill him, but it leaves him incomplete. Does God need an "other" to make him feel love? This is the beauty of the Christian doctrine of the trinity, that from all eterniity, the one God existed in relationship, God the father and God the son loved each other from all eternity.

     What about the need for self-esteem, to be seen as competent and a contributing member of society? God gave mankind a purpose, and later on gave them gifts to fulfill their pupose, which is good works. God had humans take part in his continuing creation by having them spread out and exercise dominion over creation. As the source of purpose, wisdom, and as the helper of mankind, in his common and special grace, God does not have anything to clarify his purpose. He has his plans and he knows he will accomplish it.

     What about the need for self-actualization? Self-actualization can be conceived of as salvation, however conceived. Self-actualization is the feeling of arriving at the end of a journey, that end being oneness with God or acceptance of God. However salvation is conceived, God is the end of the journey- he is the judge or the end-point. In Christianity, salvation is a promise that is so real, it is experienced in the present. It is a reality that is already and not yet. Because God is the end of the actualized self, it does not make sense to think of God as needing self-actualization or salvation.

     So what if God does not need anything? Everything that God does is because it enhances him. He gives us grace and kindness, not because he needs something from us, but because it is his pleasure to do so. He delights in our praise, but he won't feel diminished without it. A father can delight in his chilren's affection, but not feel diminished without it. He can love his child even if his child has stopped giving him the pleasure of his obedience and affection. God maintains relationship because it is his pleasure to do so. May we handle our relationships in the same way, loving as an end in itself, not as means to an end.  

    I present to you - "A day in the life of a childcare worker".

Child: Look at the scars in my arm.

CCW: How did that happen?

Child: I did it to myself.

CCW: What made you do that?

Child: To cover up the pain?

CCW: What pain?

Child: Emotional pain.

     Then the CCW talked about more mature or healthy ways to deal with emotional pain- talking to others, taking a walk, etc. As I spoke to this child, it dawned on me that we adults have no lasting solution to the problem of emotional pain either. Adult solutions may not be as unhealthy as cutting one's self, but nevertheless, those solutions will not eliminate emotional pain.  

     Emotional pain is incurable. Physical pain can usually be controlled by medicine, although it can be argued that too much medicine damages your body. Emotional pain stays with you. Some cover it up by drinking, taking drugs, focusing on other activities, trying to project a different image, etc. I still feel the pain of losing a job almost seven years ago, even though I feel that I am in a more fulfilling job today. A man that is rejected by one woman may run after different women for fear of being rejected again. A man may go to parties all the time so he does not have to think about how lonely he is.

     Emotional pain is prevalent because many of our needs are beyond our control. Think about somebody who feels the need for true friendship. We can tell that person to be a good friend so he can find good friends- connect with people, be kind, etc. However, this does not guarantee that other people will reciprocate and become true friends. We are never in full control of other people. We may get somebody to hang out with us if we buy them things, but that would not necessarily make them care for us as friends. Therefore, that lack of true friendship will be an emotional pain.

     What could be done about emotional pain then? In my experience, the more the pain is accepted, the lesser power it has to control life. One reason is that self-awareness increases self-control. I think another reason is that the root of emotional pain is lack of control. A person could not prevent another person he considers a true friend to betray him. People sometimes die suddenly, despite their "healthy" habits, which brings the pain of grief to a family. We just could not fully control the losses in our lives- employment, health, independence, etc. Maybe that acceptance of our lack of control gives our hearts peace. Maybe it causes us to stop having the attitude that says "I am in control", thereby giving our souls rest. The answer to emotional pain seems to be to let the tears flow, to let ourselves go to the valley of the shadow of death. Then in that valley, we will be carried by the great shepherd who will also wash away the tears from our eyes.  

     I have been reflecting on the President's call to cilvility in politics. On the one hand, we as human beings don't have all the answers, therefore we need to approach the public square with humility. That could be the foundation of our dealings with people. On the other hand, should there not be room for calling each other to repentance? The truth is, there are times when our hearts are not right, when in our zeal for our agendas, we trample on other people.  Should we not repent of those times? Maybe civility is not only the responsibility of the communicator, but also of the responder. Maybe the responder also needs to show humility (a willingness to acknowledge wrong and change) in public discourse, instead of just complaining about being offended.

     I thought about this as I remembered Jesus' encounters with people. Jesus did show gentleness and compassion towards people. He was loved by many sinners of his day because he did not treat them as outcasts, he ate and spent time with them. However, Jesus would not be considered a proponent of political correctness. He once told some religious leaders that they are hypocrites and that they will face God's judgment. Jesus hardly showed there a sign of willingness to dialogue. This demonstrates that Jesus' primary goal in his encounters is not understanding, or building relationships. I believe that Jesus' primary goal is to bring people to repentance. In fact, he began his ministry with a call to repentance. In Jesus' view, similar to the Old Testament prophets, Israel needed to repent of its sins, to return to its covenant with Yahweh. Why is this important? Jesus is often portrayed as a very gentle person who accepts everybody just as they are, not pointing out wrongs. In reality, Jesus favors humble and repentant people over religious people who thought they are good people. He came to sinners, to call them to repentance, not just to sit with them. He opposed the religious leaders who were not repentant.

    Jesus' blunt assessment of the unrepentant religious leaders, and the call to testify to hope with gentleness and respect seem to be contradictory.  The apostle Paul debates unbelievers, while Jesus speaks with authority, not as the teachers of the law. Jesus presents his word as final, not open to discussion. The apostle Paul calls the church the pillar of truth, while at the same time showing great respect to everyone. What does this say about the Christian stance in the marketplace of ideas? Here are some thoughts.

1. The proclamation of the Christian faith should be thought of as a proclamation of truth. Although the Christian can show appreciation for the wisdom in other religions, he must express his conviction that Christ is the ultimate source of truth.

2. The goal of the proclamation should be repentance (changed lives), not winning an argument or gaining converts to one's point of view. The Christian faith is not just an idea to be adhered to, but a way of life characterized by humility towards God and others.

     Why am I feeling this way? This is a question I asked as I struggled with a certain temptation. In asking this question, I was able to look at my inner self. I came face to face with the sinful self within, a self I would not recognize if I would not have examined myself. This is a prerequesite to repentance, which leads to forgiveness.

     I call the above event a moment of mindfulness. Mindfulness is becoming aware of what is happening to me- to my body (sensations), my mind (thoughts), and my heart (feelings). Mindfulness is a great guide in personal growth, including spiritual growth. In the Christian story, the person favored by God is the one who looks at his lowliness, the one who examines himself and sees the darkness within. This person knows that he has hated God and hated others, therefore, he is under God's judgment. The person who sees the darkness within is the one who will turn to God for salvation from his judgment. The person who sees the darkness within is the one who will turn to Jesus, the Savior chosen by God, in faith.

     I have wondered about the big deal about Jesus' coming. I knew theologically that Jesus is God incarnate acting to save his people by taking their place. He died the death that we deserved because of our darkness. He rose again to give us a new beginning, this time with a heart that desires to love God and others. It is by pushing myself to be mindful that I have grown in the knowledge of the darkness within, and as I became more aware, I have grown in my gratitude towards the God who not only saved me from my sins, but also provided me with everything that has given me joy.

    This new year, wherever you are in your faith walk, I encourage you to be mindful. I encourage you to put your efforts into understanding yourself. How can you do this? One way is to examine yourself after you have become angry. Some people say that being angry is completely fine, and the way we express anger is what could be problematic. However, understanding your anger can lead you to seeing the darkness within. What makes you angry has something to do with your values and priorities. These values and priorities may not be in line with God's values and priorities. Jonah was chastised by God for being so angry about God being gracious to the people of Nineveh, whom Jonah was sent to proclaim God's judgment to. He was also chastised for being angry with God for not keeping him comfortable, but then not caring for the possible death of many people. Jonah's anger was a revelation of his dark heart. Maybe your anger at your children is a revelation of a dark heart, a heart that values control above all things, and your children got in the way of your desire for control.

     Then as you discover the darkness within you, may you turn to the one who can heal the darkness, Jesus the Savior.

     "How far have I sunk?", Joseph asked as he found himself cleaning garbage cans. Joseph was a happy man, rich and well-educated in his native country. However, because of a turn of events, Joseph had to leave his country with his family. Joseph became a refugee. He lost all his material possessions and found himself dependent on the charity of others. Now Joseph found himself in a new land, where he is a stranger and his previous life did not matter. He found himself doing work he never dreamed of. Some of you could resonate with Joseph's feeling of being trapped in a life you never dreamed of. Maybe the economic turn of events left you without a home and without a job you are proud of. Maybe your health has deteriorated and you feel that you have become a burden, unable to care for yourself. Maybe you just struggle with a general feeling of unworthiness, that who you are and what you do does not matter.

     The Lord of the universe felt what it was like to be insignificant. He knows what it was like to walk in your shoes, and this same Lord is watching over you. This same Lord is asking you to walk with him, and in walking with him, you will find "heaven". Remember that this Christmas, we are not celebrating the birth of a mere man or a deity coming to earth to do something spectacular like becoming a king who goes to war against evil. The closest stories we have are of lesser gods becoming incarnated, defeating an evil king and/or telling their disciples how to find "heaven". We are talking about the Lord of the universe, the one who brought the world into existence and is behind history, coming to earth as a helpless baby. According to the Christian story, the creator was conceived and was a fetus in his mother's womb, receiving his sustenance from her. He was born, once in history, in a manger, a place where animals feed. He was dependent on his parents for everything; food, clothes, love, cleanliness. His parents had to teach him how to function in his world, to work and to treat others. 

     It is a mystery how the creator of the universe, the eternal word, could empty himself of who he is. It will take volumes to talk about that mystery. The God of all gods, the one who sustains the universe, became insignificant. If you are struggling with a sense of significance- "Do I matter?", "Does what I do matter", think about the baby in the manger. A baby is the epitome of helplessness, vulnerable to the whims of his parents, and to the forces of nature and history. Those who saw this baby saw a helpless human being. However, the Christian story continues with this baby becoming the man who will save humanity. He will not do it by weapons or by political power. He will save humanity by a great display of humility, giving his life in the place of sinful humanity, in the place of you and I who have not wholeheartedly loved God and others. God's standard of love could not be broken, sinfulness leads to eternal separation from God and from life itself. By a seemingly insignificant act, this man would die in our place so that we could be in the presence of God and life itself. God's power was shown in the insignificant. Praise be to God!