This is often the way God loves us:

with gifts we thought we didn’t need,

which transform us into people we don’t necessarily want to be.

We assume religion is about giving a little of our power.

Then this stranger comes to us, blesses us with a gift, and calls us to see ourselves as we are–

empty-handed recipients of a gracious God who,

rather than leave us to our own devices,  gave us a baby.

…Will Willimon

~~~

Source: Bulletin cover, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, December 22, 2013.