Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Luke 2:38
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, December 23, 2019
“They brought him (baby Jesus) up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…and a widow came that same hour and returned thanks to God and talked of Jesus.”
“Twas the Sunday before Christmas and the saints filled God’s house…” I guess you could say that visions of sugar-plums are dancing in my head, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if God’s house everywhere was filled with thankful worshipers every Sunday.
Four candles are burning and Advent worship is about to announce the good news: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given…”
God’s presence had always been in the temple, but not like this. God was a yawning and stretching baby in the arms of a woman who wasn’t much older than a baby herself. Would anyone know who he was, deity in diapers; Savior of the world?
How many dolls have player the roll of that baby; wrapped in a blanket and placed in a manger that has been stored in the church closet (beside the wooden cross)? How many children have stood by it and sang, “Away in a Manger?” Many of them have grown to adults who now send their children (and grandchildren) to take their turn beside the crude resting place of God’s Love Story.
Years ago an elderly lady asked me a question as she walked out the church door. A little child was in front of her with a doll in her arms. “Do you know why I love to see little girls bring their dolls to church? Because when they are older and have children of their own, they will bring them to church also.”
Christmas Eve is tomorrow, and we will gather at the Lord’s Table. The baby will be placed in the Nativity that has been waiting these last four weeks. We will light the Christ Candle and the candles in our hands (and heart) as we extinguish the darkness of another Silent and Holy Night. Let us also return thanks to God, and talk of Jesus.
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
Link to Youtube – Silent Night
