What does a dream about a ladder have to do with Christmas? This week, as we conclude our Advent series, we come to the famous account of Jacob's Ladder. What often gets overlooked is Jacob's isolation and despondency. He is literally using a stone for a pillow. He's lied to his father, betrayed his brother, and is alone in the middle of nowhere. He's likely questioning whether 'the blessing' (and especially the way he went about getting it) was worth it at all. There's no prayer. No repentance. No pleading for God's help. And yet... God shows up. God comes to him. God pursues him. God's character is on display - the same character that would lead to the Incarnation. Let's talk about the joy of Christmas foreshadowed in "the Ladder" (Gen.28:10-22).
