The key is that God always invests in the best growth stocks: people. Faced with the bankruptcy of an individual, a family, a nation, He always expands the covenant. Faced with Israel's failure, He adds to His people millions (eventually billions) from the Gentile population. Faced with the groaning of creation, He brings glimmers of promised redemption. Faced with selfishness, He offers sacrificial love—and Christmas is the holiday that celebrates that.
Many religions display bargaining: "I'll do this for you, Vishnu, and you'll do something for me." Christianity is a religion of grace based on the understanding that both our dollars and our records of billable hours are worthless paper in God's eyes: We can't trade with Him. This concept is enormously liberating: When we understand how much God cares for us, we know we don't have to win His love by mortifying our flesh or paying off religious authorities. We cannot lose His love by asking hard questions.
Some sad investors use this expression of resignation: "It is what it is." True, but God says, "I am what I am." Jesus said the same to Romans arresting him in Gethsemane: "I am." That unites the gospel with God's proclamation of liberty in Exodus. It unites Him today with all who believe in the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.
Marvin Olasky
Marvin Olasky is editor-in-chief of the national news magazine World. For additional commentary by Marvin Olasky, visit www.worldmag.com.
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