Kerta kiellon päälle – To allow good things to happen
In Finland, there is a saying literally “once more after being refused”, that is freely translated “one more on the road/to be on the safe side”.
It can mean, for example, that the cake served at a party is so good that you can’t help but have more. Refusing or denial overall doesn’t work very well in all situations.
This kind of “supposed refusal” is also part of Christmas. Many adults declare that they shouldn’t get Christmas presents, and some families agree in advance to buy presents only for children. However, even adults might be at least secretly disappointed if they don’t get any presents at all in Christmas.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people rejoiced loudly, some of the Pharisees told Jesus to deny the disciples. But Jesus replied: “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40).
It is difficult to deny Jesus and his followers influence. Even the crucifixion and death didn’t help. Jesus rose from the dead. The disciples then received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and after that nothing stopped them from telling about Jesus, even though it could sometimes mean imprisonment or death.
How can a person prevent or forbid God from working in the world he created? Of course, this has often been tried, but with little success.
The opposite of forbidding is allowing, giving permission for something good.
God is good and loving by nature.
God also respects the freedom of choice.
He does not force, but asks permission.
Jesus says: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and we will eat with him.” (Rev. 3:20).
Jesus is a gentle king and ruler.
He was born and came into this world out of love for people.
He came to save and heal.
He came to walk alongside man, to bear the pains and burdens of life, and to give abundant life.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Timo
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