Personal identity is precious and valuable. We put significant effort into becoming and being known as a certain type of person. We build into our lives important values, beliefs, and character traits that help shape us into the kind of person we want others to see.
It is fair to say that our identity distinguishes us from others. When we are perceived differently than the way we see ourselves, we usually object or express dissatisfaction. Conversely, when others validate or affirm our own self-image, we might react with approval and agreement.
Recent history shows that identity can be compromised or maliciously stolen from us in unfair and costly ways. Who among us has not already experienced an unexpected cyber robbery? Stolen identity is a growing nuisance, a violation, a relentless pursuit of pretending to become someone else, gaining unfair financial advantage, resulting in exploitation. As a result, we spend the necessary time proving who we are and minimizing the damage.
Amid our flawed culture, which sees predators rob and exploit us, allow me, instead, to put a positive spin on identity. Over 2000 years ago, a Bethlehem baby was born, offering us an identity that we would soon welcome and one that we could not have provided on our own. This identity was not stolen. It was not imposed on us, yet it was designed for us. It is the story of a loving God who invites us to share an identity meant for good rather than harm.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
2 Corinthians 5:17a
Christmas changed the world. It permits us to accept a new identity freely given and offered to all who embrace it. The Bethlehem baby became the Christ of Calvary on our behalf and later vacated an empty tomb. His sacrifice and resurrection sealed our destiny. So, share the joy of that Good News with family and friends this Christmas. We are children of God by choice, not coercion. A welcome identity is given by a generous God.
Jim Stewart
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