“Blessed are those who are  persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

I’ve been reading through the book of Mark in the Bible.  I want to read all the accounts of Jesus’ life before Christmas, to help me focus on the “reason for the season”. 

Today I read about Jesus’ death.  One thing that is clear to me is that Jesus absolutely knew what He was getting into when he started teaching about a God who was more concerned that people love Him and others rather than follow a list of rules, or when He healed the sick (and even raised a few from the dead!) or performed His MANY miracles (like feeding more than 5000 people with a boy’s lunch or calming a storm with just a word).

Many times throughout His life Jesus talked about His death.  He knew exactly how and when it would happen.  He could have backed out at anytime.  He could have called thousands of angels to rescue Him.  But He didn’t.  He chose the way of righteousness and endured the persecution that followed.

I believe with all my heart that Jesus now lives in heaven with His Father.  I believe that the tiny baby who was born to this world more than 2000 years ago is filled with joy about His life, that He’s happy He did what He did.  Most of all I   believe His love for each of us is just as strong now as it was then.  And that’s the greatest gift I have ever received.

 – Written for the 2008-2009 Holiday Issue of Mom’s Moments.  www.momsmoments.ca/pdfs