itsawonderfilledlife

Week 4
Let the Light In

“I realized that
songs,
good feelings,
beautiful liturgies,
nice presents,
big dinners,
and many sweet words do not make Christmas.
Christmas is saying ‘yes’ to something beyond all emotions and feelings.
Christmas is saying ‘yes’ to a hope based on God’s initiative …
It is into this broken world that a child is born
who is called Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, Savior.”

Henir Nouwen

There is so much to like about the Christmas season. The cheery moods, the delicious foods, the gift-giving, the parties, the concerts and church services, the music, and on, and on, and on.

Though it is all good, it is rather hollow, rather meaningless, without a relationship with the one who is celebrated this season.

I recently read a writing that went something like this …

stop to ponder the babe in the manger
stop, really stop
just be still, quiet
and think of his human, infant form
think of the parents near him
think of his father in heaven

now, stop and think about why he came

who he came for

let it sink in
how personal this gift is to you (and I)

If you try this. If you stop and ponder this babe, I think you will be amazed at how the truth will hit you, how much thankfulness fills your soul.

If you are reading this. If you think you hear whispers in your soul. If you need to thank the one who came (and will come again). If you need to live for something other than just good feelings and emotions. If you need real hope …

So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts”

Hebrews 3:7-8

Open up your heart, yourself, to the One who came at Christmas.