Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Reflection

One of my favorite authors and a mentor to me through his pages is Henri Nouwen. In his book, The Road to Daybreak, he says, 

Somehow I realized that songs, music, 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, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God's work and not mine. Things will never look just right or feel just right. If they did, someone would be lying.... But it is into this broken world that a child is born who is called the Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, Savior.

Luke 2:1-7 says,
In those days a decree went out from Emporer Augustus that all the world should be registered.... All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house of David. he went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

A reflective prayer for these thoughts  could simply be: 
    Thank you, Lord, that you came independently of my feelings and thoughts. Your heart is greater than mine. I welcome you. Amen.

May these thoughts turn your heart to Him and minister to you soul as you celebrate His first coming and await His second. Peace to you from our family. 
                 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

wow guys! that sounds like a great ministry. it seems that God is blessing your efforts and putting together some wonderful stuff. miss you guys - hof

THREADS said...

Thanks for the encouragement it is always needed!

 
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