The traditional Christmas story is beautiful. Not because it affirms the world system…but because it challenges it.

In this story a king was born in a barn to an unwed mother.

The greatest ruler was seen in a child that the world would consider to be the least.

The way of salvation was revealed not as something to earn but instead as something to humbly receive as it is.

And as this child grew into a man…it is said that He would expand on these themes in His teaching. He would become known as a rabbi, a homeless wanderer known for his fellowship with those who society rejected as worthless.

With those that His people considered as the enemy.

He would become known as Lord…even though He didn’t lord it over those around him…but instead, He served them.

Washing the dirt from their filthy feet.

He would become known as the founder of a religion, even though he was hated by the leaders of the religion of His time.

A renegade prophet leading people away from a man-made system.

His teachings would become considered as Holy even though they presented wild ideas that make no sense in our natural world.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

In a political world that takes great pride in the pursuit of power…in the survival of the fittest…in it’s own great and mighty leaders. Jesus taught us that even those that the world considers as useless are worthy of a seat at the heavenly banquet.

That many that the world considers as first will be considered as last.

In a world of religions that take great satisfaction in creating yet another great set of rules for the lower classes. Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love your neighbor.

In a world enslaved to the idea that the gods/spirits are angry at us and that we have to spend our lives trying to appease them, Jesus taught us that God actually loves His creation…and wants to give us life…not to take our lives.

That the truth will set us free.

That we will find the truth if we are willing to search for it with every fiber of our being.

That we don’t need more of the world as it is. We need more of heaven…and we can have it, if we want it.

Do we need it?