The STOPLight

Advent and Christmas reflections

"He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should remain equal with God. Instead of this he (freely) gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like us, and appeared in human form. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death -- His death on the cross..."

Philippians 2:6-8

As we speak of the way in which children and youth are being targeted in today's world, we speak of the following pattern:

• VULNERABILITY (Being in a position where one can be hurt or wounded)
• RECRUITMENT (Being enlisted by a manipulator)
• ENTRAPMENT (Being held captive)

As we reflect on the mystery of God coming to earth as a human, Jesus of Nazareth, born in a cattle-shed, trekking across Palestine with his followers preaching, teaching, healing, and feeding, and, at length, being crucified on the cross of Golgotha, note how this pattern both stays the same, and yet, wondrously shifts.

• VULNERABILITY (Being in a position where Jesus could be hurt or wounded)
• RECRUITMENT (Being enlisted take up one's cross and follow Christ)
• ENTRAPMENT (Being arrested scourged, and executed)
• FREEDOM (Being set free to bear witness to resurrection and renewal)

Yet, when we are speaking of God at work in Christ, we never stop at the Cross; we begin at the Cross. For just as the Wood of the Manger points forward to the Wood of the Cross, the Cross of Good Friday points us forward to the Crown of Easter. As we prepare to celebrate the Festival of Christmas let us joyfully remember that destiny to which our ministry bears constant witness:

In gratitude to God in Christ for the freedom in which we now stand, we at A-STOP join together in wishing all of you-and all who are dear to you-a Blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year of 2001.

by Rev. Owen Christianson

In 2002 our organization changed its name to Adults Saving Kids. Prior to that we were called A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths On Prostitution), STOP (Speaking Truths On Prostitution), or Grassroots Ministry Alliance.