Sanctuary Foundation Advent Devotional Day 4
The idyllic picture of family sat happily around the Christmas dinner table is, for most of us, a scene only found on Christmas cards. I remember a Christmas where Granny fell and broke her hip on the way to the dinner table. Or the one where an aunt announced a most unsuitable engagement. There was one time a cousin was so cross about a gift he didn’t get that he spent the afternoon sitting in the car. I could go on. I am certain you have plenty of stories you could add about Christmas day family drama.
If it’s any comfort, Jesus came from a very dysfunctional family. If you study his family tree you will find he had all sorts of apparently embarrassing relatives: those considered to be the wrong race, or the wrong gender, - a murderer, a liar, a prostitute, an enemy of the state.
They are listed for all to see right at the beginning of the New Testament.
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of ….”
The inclusion of family members with the most shocking of backstories highlights the Christmas message of unconditional welcome. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from or what you’ve done, God doesn’t intend for anyone to be left out.
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