December 17, 2007
But
the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great
joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of
As
we read about the birth of Jesus this season, let us do some self-examination.
Where would we fit in this story?
Herod
was a powerful king. Hearing of a child that was prophesied to be a great ruler,
threatened his entire being. He did not want his position threatened. He
intended to rule how he saw fit. His response to Jesus’ birth was to kill this
child, and if he couldn’t find the child, he would kill any child that might
possibly be him.
The
innkeeper said there was no room in his inn for this child to be born. His inn
was full. Others had arrived before him. So Jesus was born and laid in a manger
amongst the animals.
Then
there were the wise men. They knew of the prophecies concerning this child and
began looking for Him so they could worship Him themselves. When they found Him,
they fell down and worshipped Him and gave Him gifts that were valuable to them.
Afterward they even obeyed what the Lord told them by not returning to King
Herod. However, they simply returned to their own country from which they came.
Finally,
there were the shepherds. They were told of this child by an angel. After the
announcement, they hastily looked for this Babe in swaddling clothes. When they
had seen Him for themselves, they spread the news and others marveled. When they
returned their way they continued to glorify and praise God for everything they
were told was true.
Where
do we fit in this story of Jesus’ birth?
Do
we ever oppose God as King Herod and do everything we can to protect ourselves
from the change God would require? Do we seek position and trample people who
get in our way? Are we ever afraid to allow God in any part of our lives?
Lord,
forgive me for the times I’ve wanted nothing to do with you. The truth says
you know the plans for my life for my good and not my harm. Forgive me for
thinking I could run my life better than you or believing the lie that you are a
threat to me in any way.
Is
our life ever so full of the world as the innkeeper that we have no room for
Christ? Do we fail to push aside the earthly things we deem as important to make
room each day for our Lord? Do we place the Lord in a dark cave to the side,
because we are afraid of what others might think if we put the Lord before them?
Lord,
forgive me for pushing you aside and not making you first in my life. Forgive me
for giving first priority to the things of the world with no eternal value. Help
me to seek first the kingdom of God and to believe that in doing so, all the
things I need will be taken care of.
Have
we grown up knowing as the wise men of this child, born to be our savior? Do we
do our best to obey the Word, go to church to worship Him, and bring Him our
gifts, yet we fail to tell others about how marvelous He is? Do we leave church
to return to our daily lives and leave God for Sundays?
Lord,
forgive me for putting you in a nice neat box that I only open when I have set
aside the time. I want to sense your presence throughout the day, everyday.
Remind me to share the good news of my Savior with others I come into contact
with today.
Lord, let me be as the shepherds. Allow me the privilege to experience your glory as I go about my daily life. As you reveal Your truth to me, let me experience this truth in my life. As I come to know You more and more, may I make it known to all around me of Your goodness and Your faithfulness. And as I move from revelation to revelation, may I continue to praise Your name and bring You glory throughout my daily routines.
Janet Fairbrother