In the year of Jesus’ birth we can see several things that illuminate the struggles of modern Christianity to point people to Jesus, God with Us.
First, people interpret God through material thought processes and miss that He is a spiritual God.
Jesus was a king over reality and human hearts, not over structures and institutions. His government healed bodies, hearts, relationships, and all manner of human brokenness.
Second, when you look for a political messiah, you will misunderstand power as God defines it.
Jesus was born in a manger to a poor couple with no standing or influence as we generally understand such things. To this day, those who find Him can overcome the chains that bind them.
Third, knowing information about religious things may keep you from knowing God.
Experts in the religion Jesus came to complete knew all the prophecy but were not at the manger.
Spiritual teachers from another religion and shepherds without religious expertise found and recognized Him.
Fourth, God among men shows up quietly, without publicity, and is not cool.
The manger, the shepherds, and the animals were a lowly place. No marketing. No fanfare. Found by those who were searching, not by those who were a target market.
Fifth, God puts Himself and His message in the hands of humans, but not the ones you expect.
Mary carried God in her womb and in her hands when He was completely vulnerable. God trusts people more than we think He does.
What else do you see in the Christmas story that reverses expectations?