“He was created by a Mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that he formed.”

Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

During the Christmas season I am reminded that we are invited to see how God operates outside of how we think power works. We are invited to see that God reigns not by taking absolute control of everything, but by emptying God’s self and making self-giving love the kind of power that liberates. We are invited to see that God is saving the world through the Christ-child who came by the way of vulnerability and grew up to become the suffering servant spoken of by Isaiah (53).

But society does not seem to understand vulnerability. It is rejected as weak and laughed at. It is misunderstood.

Tragically, many who confess loyalty to the Christ of Christmas reject this invitation to see. Instead, some choose the way that mimics the violence, fear, and bravado of society. Some call it being masculine. Others say it’s about being bold and strong. But what does the Christ-child, who grew up full of grace and truth and became the suffering servant for all, say?

“Follow me.”