Presence

Here we are, the day before Christmas. I think silent night was definitely the night before Jesus’ birth. Think about it, when He was born…A mother let go that last pushing delivery cry. A babe, God/man, let go birth cries as He inhaled stable air. Angels burst forth telling shepherds He has arrived. It was not silent.

Once the shepherds made their way to the stable it wasn’t so quiet either. I say this because the Bible says: “After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18 BSB) That means they were either rousing people from their sleep or, in that overcrowded little town where so many had come for the census, they were up and about.

I wonder, did those they spread the news to go to the stable? Were they too busy with their lives? Did they find lowly shepherds not worth listening to? Was it just more noise in their day?

We live in a noisy world. Airplanes and vehicles sound in the distance no matter where we are. Refrigerators hum along with other appliances 24/7. Phones chip. Even birds constantly chatter. Sometimes we want the quiet, but about the time we get it, we pick up the phone or turn on the tv.

I think the enemy likes it this way. As long as he can keep us distracted, we won’t hear the good news. We’ll forget to take time each day to listen to our Lord in His Word.

But right now, listening or not, God is calling to us. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) A daily Christmas gift, the present of His presence.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” (Luke 2:14 BSB) May this amazing gift give you a very Merry Christmas!