Myths or Relationship?

John 18:33-34

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”

How often is our judgement of others

decreed before we have met?

How often do the myths and hearsay

determine our relationships?

It was the myths that determined Jesus' fate - 

the rumours and the gossip

the hopes and the dreams...

It was the aspirations of others

that there should be a vanquishing leader

that put the nails in his cross.

He did a good job of raising folks hackles

He wasn't the best with social etiquette - 

but his reputation went before him

to condemn him.

And in a system of justice

corrupt and swift

he had no chance.

No chance to be heard or understood

Merely the opportunity

to leave an impression

that would not quickly fade.

That was Jesus the man.

And in our world today,

will Jesus the baby

fare any better?

Or is his advent

already tarnished

by our fear

and low expectations

and lack of hope

that anything can pierce the darkness

of our world today?