Latin American Christmas Creed

I wrote this back on January 30, but am posting it now 'cause I haven't written anything lately and because it seems like a good way to start my 39th year (yep...it's official, I've lived 38 of them already).

There are some Sundays when nothing of what I sing, recite, or read in church enters my consciousness. I speak or sing the words, but don't actually know what I’m saying. Often, however, a word or lyric will catch my eye or I’ll suddenly become aware that I have no idea what I’m saying and I’ll stop and really read the words. Sometimes I find that what is written is something surprisingly beautiful or poignant. The following creed was one that struck me while reciting it at my church several weeks ago. It was titled the “Latin American Christmas Creed” with the author listed as anonymous. About midway through the section the word “oppressed” caught my eye (as it usually does) and I had to stop and really read what was being said. I re-read it after we were done and again when I got home and I realized that this creed more closely reflects what I believe than any of the others I’ve recited (and even memorized) over the years. Now if only I could start living like I truly believe this.

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of the gospel, which began in Bethlehem. I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a small village, of whose coming the shepherds saw the sign, and for whom there was no room at the inn. I believe in the one whose life changed the course of history, over whom the rulers of the earth had no power, and who was not understood by the proud. I believe in the one to whom the poor, the injured, the oppressed, the discouraged, the afflicted, the sick, the blind, the injured gave welcome, and accepted as Lord and Savior. I believe in the one who with love changed the hearts of the proud and with his life showed that it is more important to serve than to be served and that the greatest joy is giving your life for others. I believe in peace, which is not just the absence of war, but justice among all people and nations. I believe that Christmas is strength and power, and that this world can change if with humility and faith we kneel before the manger. I believe I must be the first one to do so.