An Outcast at Christmas

The Christmas festivities and parties will be in full swing soon.   A time to spend with family and friends.

But not all will receive us.

We will feel rejected by those that are either the closest to us or perhaps those that hardly know us.  Either way, rejection hurts.

We will be like an outcast.

"And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.  Matthew 10:22

Even when your Christmas is less than ideal, remember that The Outcast, Jesus Christ, came into this world in less than perfect conditions, at least according to our minds.

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  Isaiah 53:3

But we have Comfort.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  Matthew 5:10-12

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad...  Let those words sink in and penetrate your heart.  This is not a mere suggestion from our Savior, but rather a command.

Here's a look at the same verse but in the New Living Translation,

Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.  Matthew 5:12

I'd be lying to you if I said it was easy to be happy and glad when I am persecuted!   Yet, I am trying to focus on what the Lord wants me to do even when I feel like an outcast by others.

No, not everyone will love you and accept.

But the One who matters most, always will.

"For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.  1 Samuel 12:22

Remember that Emmanuel has come.  To walk among us.  To dwell with us.

Receive Him.

Take His hand.

Let Him love you even when others don't.

You are a pure delight to Him.

So, learn to identify with the ancient prophets, but more importantly...

the One True Outcast, Jesus, this Christmas.

Finding Him and breathing Him in will make your Christmas ideal.