Parking space hunting, gift list rechecking, present wrapping, cookie baking, and school program attending have filled the days of this month. Christmas lights have been strung, stockings have been hung, and the cookies have been iced. Company events have commenced with white elephant gifts purchased, wrapped, and exchanged.
Donations dropped off, cookies eaten, church services attended, and more cookies eaten. Relatives contacted with pot luck instructions. Table set, turkey bought, and still more cookies eaten. Website links clicked, and credit card numbers entered.
Have I been throwing an extravagant birthday party without the guest of honor being acknowledged? I have the cake ready, the party favors out, and the party games set up, but where is the Birthday Boy? Where is the one I celebrate?
Get me to the hay. The hay that holds my Savior. The manger that coddles the King of Kings wrapped in human flesh. The stable where all is quiet and awe fills the air. The place where peace reigns because the Prince of Peace has been born. I kneel and peer into the precious face of the God of the universe and in awe whisper, “Hey.” All fades away in His presence. All performing, all producing, all planning and self-absorption are enveloped in a love and intimacy that only our Jesus can bring. Be still my heart.
Oh come let us adore Him.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)