Advent Day 21: Blessed

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Matthew 5:1-12
Luke 1:48-53
John 1:10-13

“Did You wrap yourself inside the unexpected so we might know that Love would go that far?”
― Francesca Battistelli

The Christmas story is backwards.
In it, we find light in darkness; God as a refugee in a stable; and we find royal tidings great joy among poor shepherds.
...or perhaps the world is backwards and God came to set it right?
Either way, this season challenges us to re-think our blessings and reconsider who we might consider truly blessed...

“‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
 ~Homeless Man (Jesus in Matthew 5:1-12)

 
“from now on all generations will call me blessed…”   ~Single Pregnant Teen
“...for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.” 
(Luke 1:48-53)



I'm searching for a king and kingdom
Here among the beggars and the weak
The broken and redeemed
I'm finding grace beyond all measure
In flesh and blood He hides His majesty
Inside of you and me
Why would a King do such a thing?
Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it marvelous?
The God of the universe, He became one of us
We cry out and then love comes down again
Faith is found in Him, Hallelujah
Tomorrow’s word: Believe →

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