“Your Present is Your Presence”
by Sam Miller
Beloved: The
way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever
says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him. 1 John
2:3-5
“Lord, now
let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have
seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to
reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke
2:29-32
Piety:
Bring me into the light of
Your love, Dear Lord. Let me be present
to Your coming to dwell among us this day.
May I come to the manger with reverence and awe. Help me to allow You to fill my heart with
joy.
Study:
The time of preparation has
passed. Jesus’ coming was foretold from
of old, from way back! Those guys had
time to prepare but, did they? Did they
receive the message that Jesus was coming and then go back to their normal
routines? How come the innkeeper didn’t
know to reserve a room for the Holy Family?
There were multiple Angelic visitations to announce the coming event.
Mary didn’t have to tell Elizabeth, baby John already knew! Joseph heard from Angels that he should take
Mary into his home while the law told him not to. Did he share the messages with anyone? When the Lord, the Baby Jesus was born His
first adorers were the animals in the stable.
An Angel with Heavenly Host alerted the shepherds to come to see the Babe, didn’t anyone else see
that?
Me? From early childhood, I was taught that
Christmas was about welcoming the Baby Jesus, not about receiving
presents. Every year, I pray to be
properly prepared to receive Him, that my heart may make room to welcome
Him. Do I receive the message to prepare
only to get distracted by all of the hustle and bustle, the buying and wrapping
of presents, attending all of the festive gatherings and forget that this is
Jesus’ birthday party?!
Nothing distracted Simeon from
his vigil until he shared in the presence of the Baby Jesus.
Action:
Lord,
may Your light shine on and through me this day! Lord, be born in me today!! May Your presence be my present!! Amen!
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