12/9
Scripture – “After Jesus
was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from
the east came to Jerusalem and asked,
‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it
rose and have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2)
Another spirit of this world that can
make our Christmases difficult is the spirit of commercialism. Charlie Brown
even counters this. He sees Snoopy’s First Place doghouse decorations and cries
in frustration, “Even my dog has gone commercial!” Throughout December and even earlier we are bombarded
with things that we can buy that will guarantee our happiness this Christmas
season. One of the most moving was the old Coca-Cola commercial that showed the
world putting aside all differences over a Christmas soft drink!
But
this can create incredible stress as we buy things we don’t need, stress over
the right gifts, and try and purchase joy even at enormous cost to
ourselves. Debts can pile up and
stresses and tensions mount. And yet the best Christmas moments are not bought
in a store. The moment a loved one comes home. A precious memory that warms our
hearts. The mystical moment every Christmas Eve when Silent Night is sung by
candlelight.
The Holy Spirit creates true unity,
joy, and peace. Some of my favorite Christmas traditions are the simplest. I love to string cranberries and popcorn into
garlands, to make “gifts” for the birds with pinecones, to just sit by a fire.
But like those wise men long ago the most meaningful times are when we lose
ourselves in worship. My husband’s mother started a tradition when the boys
were young. Each Christmas Eve we would go out to the barn singing carols.
Grace had placed Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in one of the stalls. It was cold
and musty and dusty and so peaceful as we shared the Christmas story in a barn.
No amount of money could by the feeling on that sacred night in a Spirit-filled
barn in the Carolinas. Let us be still and know God this Christmas.
Prayer: Father, make me still so that
I may feel your presence and be filled with your peace. Draw me ever-nearer to
You and Your Son, and Your Spirit.
Activity: Plan a special time of
worship just for you or for you and someone special in your life.
By Rev, Tracie Stewart
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