When the Scriptures are used maturely, they proceed in this order:

1. They confront us with a bigger picture than we are used to, “God’s kingdom” that has the potential to “deconstruct” our false and smaller kingdoms.
2. They then have the power to convert us to an alternative worldview by proclamation, grace, and the sheer attraction of the good, the true, and the beautiful (not by shame, guilt, or fear which are low-level motivations, but which operate more quickly and so churches often resort to them).
3. They then console us and bring deep healing as they “reconstruct” us in a new place with a new mind and heart.

Adapted from Preparing for Christmas with Richard Rohr, pp. 64-65

Prayer:
Come Emmanuel, God with us!