Sanctuary Foundation Advent Devotional Day 13
UNICEF estimates that each day around 385,000 babies are born around the world. Many of those babies are cherished and protected, but sadly many are not. Too many will experience abuse or neglect. Too many will be victims of war and conflict. Too many will grow up in poverty, facing hunger, war and injustice.
Jesus was born at a difficult time too. His country was under occupation. Poverty was rife and soon there would be soldiers hunting him down to kill him. Even the roof over his head on the day he was born could not be taken for granted.
Jesus was born in desperate need of protection and yet would live and die protecting those who turned their back on him. Listen to how the prophet Isaiah riffs on this paradox.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This is God’s gift to us. To us Jesus is born. To us he is given. The Father who knows what it is like to be an illegitimate son. The Mighty God who knows what it is like to be a tiny baby. The Wonderful Counsellor who knows what it is like to be helpless. The Prince of Peace knows what it is like to live under threat of aggression and war.
Thank you
Krish Kandiah
Director, Sanctuary Foundation
Thank you for joining us on this Season of Sanctuary Advent Journey looking at the themes of welcome and hospitality that lie at the heart of the Christmas story. As you prepare your hearts and homes for Christmas, please consider opening doors of hope for those around you. For more inspiration and information please visit www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk