One of my favorite songs is "The Rebel Jesus" by Jackson Browne. It is a Christmas season type of song that focuses on the real meaning of Christmas and giving to those truly in need. The song begs us to focus on the real meaning of "the birth of the rebel Jesus".

Was Jesus meek and mild? Some of the old hymns and several church Sunday School teachers would like to make it seem that way. Jesus says himself that he is meek in this passage from Matthew 11, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Yet, think of him talking to prostitutes, healing lepers, rebuking the Pharisees, or pushing the money changers out of the temple. Not actions that seem "meek" and "mild".

The words radical, rebellious and revolutionary are tags often given to  disobedient trouble makers.  Jesus was radical and revolutionary about reconnecting people with God. he was revolutionary in that he died for our sins. Revolutionary in showing pure love and sacrifice. Not a revolutionary, radical hothead defying all authority. Look at the compassion he showed the woman caught in adultery. Not exactly weak, but not judgmental either.

In your life, how can you "Rebel like Jesus"? Should you rebuke your teachers and disobey your parents? That's not exactly the Jesus way of rebellion. It's more in recognition of thoughtful thinking about what you encounter everyday! Say "lets not talk about them" when your friends are making fun of someone. Don't sneak out of the house because "everyone else is". Refuse to act out in meanness towards a person who is "different" than you.

Standing up can equal Standing out... and Jesus shows us that we can rebel in amazing and POSITIVE ways.