Jubilee!

Christmas is in the air.  I'm writing this before Thanksgiving, and one area radio station has already switched to Christmas music.  Operation Christmas Child has been a great succcess and put us all in the giving spirit.  CHildren everywhere are getting antsy and anxious about Christmas.

Yet for many, this CHristmas will be a difficult one.  Stocks have fallen sharply.  Pension funds and 401(k)'s have taken a big hit.  Home values are lower.  In short, we're all a bit poorer this CHristmas.

Chances are, you know someone this CHristmas who has been laid off or lost their job.  Chances are, this CHristmas you know someone who is worried about their financial future.  Chances are, you know someone who will struggle to keep their home, much less to give their children Christmas gifts.

Mary and Joseph lived in a tumultuous financial time.  The Middle East was in great poverty; only a few had great wealth.  Jesus was born into a time of injustice; "he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."  Jesus came to bring good news to a time of financial burden and political oppression.

Jesus still brings a message of good news to harsh financial times.  Jesus brings "release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's' favor" - Jubilee!

Jubilee was the year when debts were released and property was restored.  Jesus proclaimed a new Jubilee to the people, setting them free from their sins and iniquities.

Jesus still sets his people free.  Jesus still sets us free from sin and oppression.  Jesus proclaims hope in the darkness.

Jesus came for those who need him most.  This Christmas, let us receive him and proclaim his message of good news.

Merry Christmas!

MORGAN