The Unknown God Made Known

“Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for as I was out walking I saw your many altars, and one of them had this inscription on it—‘To the Unknown God.’ You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him.” - Acts 17:22-23

These are the words of the early church leader Paul when he visited the huge city of Athen. In so many ways, his words are about Christmas.

So many of us build our lives around things like family and work and play - because we value loyalty and contributing to the world and joy. Sometimes church leaders have condemned us for these things. But what if there’s a different way of seeing things?

Perhaps all along we’ve been worshipping God - the God who is loyal and relational and who gave us family; the God who is creative and productive and has invited us to co-create in this world; the God who gives generously to all so that we might flourish and have joy.

In Christ, all of this comes together. We find a God who was one of us, who understands all the goodness of the world and who sought to redeem it when it got out of control or turned cruel. This day, as you spend time alone or with loved ones, see if you can find God’s presence in your desires, in your gladness, and in your sorrow. instead of trying to correct or curse the activities of these days, in Christ we see our God meeting us in each of them.