The coming of Jesus was a big interruption.
Yes, Christmas represents a disturbance in many ways. Some were expecting Him, like Simeon and Anna, and of course Mary and Joseph. In the tranquil dark of night, shepherds were interrupted by a host of fearful messengers. Maji were disturbed by a strange star that they followed until they found Jesus. To these and some others, the coming of Christ was a welcome interruption.
But for others like Herod, His coming challenged the king’s power, resulting in jealousy and rage. Throughout Jesus’ life, the same happened with the ruler of the Jews as Jesus confronted the status quo. The Prince of Peace didn’t bring the kind of peace they envisioned.
Everywhere He went, Jesus interrupted life. From town to town, He introduced a new Kingdom under God’s rule. He opened blind eyes, caused lame people to walk, stopped the flow of blood, and raised people from the dead. Curious, many stopped what they were doing and followed Him to hear more.
The apostles were interrupters as well, taking the message and methods of Jesus far and wide throughout Israel and into the Gentile world. In fact, Paul was accused of “upsetting the world” (Acts 17.6)—no small interruption. Countless men and women of faith have been doing the same over the centuries, not the least of which is Martin Luther who interrupted the cozy theology of the Catholic church.
Indeed, the coming of Jesus represents a radical interruption. Notice the year 2023, for it reminds us that even our way of keeping time was transformed by the appearance of a tiny baby in a manger. He didn’t come to just “fit in,” but to bring about widespread change to a world that had become comfortable with sin.
As we pursue movements of the gospel throughout Europe, let us remember that from each mouth-to-ear presentation of the gospel on the front lines, all the way to the expansion of multiple generations reaching into ever place and every people group on the continent, our work will always be an interruption of life for European peoples.
Let us learn to be comfortable being interrupters, for that is our way of life. As we celebrate this wonderful, nostalgic season of peace and joy, let us become even more committed to interrupt the world with that amazing gift that, for most people, remains unopened.
