Successful Setback

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December 17

 Oh, how I pray you and Jesus are having a wonderful Advent together.  Over and over again I find myself getting so excited as I dig into the story of Christ's coming.

John Piper writes, "Christmas was God's most successful setback. He has always delighted to show his power through apparent defeat. He makes tactical retreats in order to win strategic victories."

He goes on to use the story of Joseph as an example.  Whew, sold into slavery, tricked by a temptress,  and plunged into prison…all the steps of Joseph's life were part of God's plan to raise him up to a position of authority in Egypt.  Jesus' story plays out to a similar tune. The choruses chant….
Victory in Jesus!
Up from the grave He arose!

 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 4:14 

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