"She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -- Luke 2:7
As I write this, snow is softly falling, creating a blanket of pristine white--the quintessential image of a Norman Rockwell Christmas. So much unlike the original; the day the Prince of Peace quietly entered our world. What many of us celebrate now, surrounded by the comfort of family and friends, was then, for the Christ-Child, anything but comfortable. For a young man and his virgin betrothed, it was an untimely birth, in an unfamiliar place. The Bread of Life would spend His first night in an animal feedbox, for there was no room for Him to be born among the comfortable. Those who slept quietly in the inn were likely oblivious to the divine visitation just outside their earshot. The Gift was among them, yet they did not recognize it as such (John 1:10).
As I watch the snow and contemplate this gift of Jesus, I wonder what divine visitations are occurring today that, tucked away in my room, I fail to see. Inwardly, I wonder if I've grown so accustomed to my ways, my wants, my "needs" that I've become barricaded to the presence of the Newborn in my midst. Like the sudden awareness of the beauty of the snow that falls before me, I begin to hear the faint sounds of the homeless, the persecuted, the infirm, the brokenhearted; those poor in spirit, so loved by Jesus. They are so easy to forget while I'm comfortably ensconced in my inn. It is upon those who mourn that Jesus pronounces blessing, for they will receive true comfort (Matthew 5:4). Perhaps not the comfort of a warm and dry inn that I am now enjoying, but that of a lowly Child born into a similarly uncomfortable circumstances who now reigns as Prince of Peace.
Just outside my door, an encounter with Him awaits.
Leary, Your perspective of the truth is unbelievable. It is so true, how easy it is for us to forget the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not just about Christmas though. It certainly goes beyond that. When we are meditating in prayer, it is of utmost importance to be thankful every day. As we grow in our faith, atleast for me, that we should seek clarity from the Lord each and every day.
This year I spoke of the importance of the birth of Jesus. I told my family that's why we're here. Sure everyone gathers, has a big meal, reflects on things this past year, and watches everyone open presents. What about that night in a maneger when the world received the best present any of us could ever receive or will receive.
When we think of the birth of Jesus, and what he has done for us, it makes me think more often everyday about Luke 2:14. " Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God." Think about it, the more one chooses to please God, the peace one shall receive from God. He is all loving, and all knowing. Let's continue to honor the one who gave it all. " Not just on the holidays, but everyday, may the Lord God in Heaven continue to give us all Peace, Comfort, and Joy. "
Thanks Tony!
Good word. Your comment about choosing to please God reminded me of Paul's comment, "So we make it our goal to please him..." 2 Cor 5:9
Blessings to you!