The Christmas story is far from being a story of peace and rejoicing. We
have discovered that there was no room for Jesus at His birth and that
Herod tried to exterminate baby Jesus early on. Today we find out that
Joseph, who pledged to marry Mary, didn't believe how Mary became
pregnant. At least he didn't want her stoned as it was the custom for
infidelity, but still he had decided to get rid of her. Ouch! That sure
must have hurt Mary. Not only did he not believe her, he wanted her
away!
But then, Christmas now-a-days is also not a day of
rejoicing for many of us, for many spend Christmas all alone. No one
invites us! We guess we are on the unwanted list. Maybe there is even a
price on our heads!
We may feel like the Jews living in Germany
and Austria when Hitler rose to power. It is true that these Jews had it
far worse than any of us! Early on the Jews started to lose many of
their rights. They were banned from trams, from swimming in the public
swimming pool, and even their bikes were confiscated. In addition, they
were all forced to wear a yellow star that brought insults from any
Nazis encountering them.
No wonder half of the Jews from Germany
and Austria ran away from their homeland! They were not only totally
rejected, they were ridiculed as well. Who knows what would happen to
them next! Their purpose was to find a safe haven. Many tried to be
escape to either North or South America to get as far away as possible
from this nightmare. Most never realized their dreams, as obtaining a
visa for so many was quite difficult. No one was there to defend them!
Some tried to hide themselves from the scrutiny of Hitler's
fanatics, like the Franks. When they heard reports about the deportation
of Jews to forced labour camps in Germany, they decided to hide. If they
could not escape from the Nazis, why not hide under their very noses!
On Monday, July 6th, 1942, they moved to their hiding place at
Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam with the Van Pels. Wearing as many
clothes as possible and carrying two heavy backpacks each, they entered
the upper floors at the back of the building. Here they would hide for
more than two years before they were denounced and arrested by the
Nazis. For two years they couldn't go outside, and for two years they
had to try to make as little noise as possible. Two years where each day
was another threat!
They are the ones who truly experienced total
rejection. Can you imagine not only being rejected, but to be so hated
that most people would prefer to see you dead?
Anyone who feels
completely rejected during the upcoming Christmas season will
understand. Maybe it's time for us to review the original story of
Christmas, for it contains large amounts of rejection and persecution.
But the good news is, it also contains hope. Christmas, after all,
is a story of hope. The Son of the Most High left His kingdom behind for
the sole purpose of coming to Earth to bring us hope. We had erred and
lost our way. He came to lead us back to God, who is not a God of
rejection, but a God of genuine love. And He sure loves us! His arrival
was a direct proof that God was not the One who rejected us. He would do
anything for us to feel His genuine love.
The Franks, too, had
hope. Hope to survive their ordeal, hope that their love towards each
other would be enough to endure their isolation.
Our hope through
the Christmas story is real. Though rejected and ridiculed, and chased
for the only purpose of extermination, Jesus came for us. That's how
much He loves us.
You may feel alone during Christmas day, but
truly you are not. The One who truly loves you is with you and will
never, ever abandon you. "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20b, KJV)
For those of us who are
fortunate enough to celebrate this special day with others, let's
remember those who are less privileged than we are. After all Jesus did
not come to our planet to be glorified, but He freely gave up all His
rights to bring us hope.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they
shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7, KJV)
Rob Chaffart
Unwanted and Rejected. Christmas for the broken-hearted, Part 3
Today's Bible Verse:
"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother
Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,
she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her
husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly." (Matthew
1:18-19)
Unwanted and Rejected. Christmas for the broken-hearted, Part 3
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