Advent Devotional, December 14

Jesus’ brother James makes a big deal about the sin of showing favoritism in his letter. He calls out the sort of church leader, for instance, who would show well dressed people to the best seats when they show up for a worship service, while keeping the poorly dressed people on the uncomfortable margins. It’s scripture, but you also get the impression that for James it’s personal. 
It’s a family value, it seems. 
If Jesus was a high school student, it’s hard to imagine him gravitating toward the cool kid’s table in the lunchroom.
If Jesus was at a game, it’s hard to imagine him watching it from the owner’s box. 
Jesus is not impressed with the things that impress us.
Prophecy required that Jesus’ parents have a royal pedigree. But Jesus' mission required that they not have a royal lifestyle. How good it is to have a Savior like this who comes and sits at our table not to make a point or to demonstrate his noble largesse, but for the simple reason that he wants to be with us.

Revelation 3:20

Prayer - I repent, Jesus, of all the ways in which I am a respecter of persons. You have not shown favoritism or you would not have made yourself my friend. So help me not to show favoritism any more than you do. 

Song - I love the line in “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella,” that says “Jesus is born to the folk of the village.” Not born to the upper echelons of society, to the elite and the influencers. Born to the folk of the village. Savor that. 

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