Good morning, Making Space for God friends. One week until Christmas- the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. It seems I have to fight to remember the reason for the season as I make my way through lists of shopping, baking, and the like. I think Santa Claus is a cute enough fellow, but enough is enough. Let’s remember that in a small town of Bethlehem it was not Santa Claus that showed up—it was Jesus. And it was Jesus who came to bring us hope eternal. One thing I have been acutely aware of in recent years, is that God daily has divine appointments for each of us. We simply have to have spiritual eyes to see and hear how He is leading us. Often moments that seem like irritating interruptions are God’s divine interventions.
This past week I was rushing around in the Christmas last minute frenzy and stopped long enough to pray offering my calendar to God as I do every morning. That day everything that could go wrong happened and I returned home around 5:15pm with one hour to prepare for a party for my small group at church. I knew I could never get everything done, but decided to do the best I could when the doorbell rang. My granddaughter had come by to pick up some soup that I had made for her. I’m thinking that I will just get it out of the fridge and send her on her way but God had something else in mind. It was one of God’s divine interruptions. She sat on the steps in my kitchen and poured out her heart. And as I listened, I was acutely aware that nothing else in the world mattered. God had planned this just at this time and preparations for the party would have to go undone.
Friends, I want to challenge you that as we work our way to Christmas day, that we ask God to open our eyes to the real meaning of Christmas- welcoming our Savior. And in so doing He will show us those people who need Him too. You may be the only person who will listen and offer hope. You may be the only person who has stopped long enough to recognize someone in need. You may be the light in the darkness that shines bright enough for others to draw near. This is the meaning of Christmas as Christians, that we allow God to use us for His divine purposes. Sometimes it will be inconvenient, but the blessing of being available is worth the price.
For unto us is born, unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulders And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7)
….let your light so shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.(Matthew 5:16)
