Photo by phaewilk
December might be the month for babies. After all, Christmas is coming and so much of the holiday is centered around children: buying gifts for kids, grandkids or disadvantaged kids, and standing in line with kids so they can tell Santa what they wish for. Children are precious. Yet despite all the Christmas preparations, some people are unprepared for finding God in a baby.
Amidst the green and red and gold Christmas colors, wreaths hanging on city street poles, lights hanging from the eaves of houses, ornaments hanging from living room trees, and stockings hanging from fireplace mantels, we see Nativity scenes placed here and there. Joseph stands keeping silent sentinel over Mary, who peers in wonder over Jesus, the baby in the manger. An old-world thought in a new, modern, rushing world.
Even in the Christmas rush, the thought crosses most people’s mind: “What’s it all about? What is the real reason for Christmas?”
Ask the question and you’ll get many answers. “It’s about giving.” “It’s about kindness.” “It’s about being mindful of the needs of others.” “It’s about giving to the poor and homeless.” One way to do that is to help an impoverished child experience Christmas through Operation Christmas Child.
But while the Nativity scenes sit silent in yards and windows and parks and church yards across the land, its message shouts so loud it has echoed through centuries for more than 2,000 years: “Here He is!” Find God in this baby! In Luke 2:12 (NIV Bible) you’ll find His story:
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
If you’ll listen closely, you’ll hear that message in Christmas carols and church bells and choirs and more. It’s the underlying message of the season. Here He is! Don’t miss Him. He’s waiting for you to see Him, to notice Him, to remember Him. Take another look. Don’t pass Him by.
Here’s hoping this year you’ll be finding God in a Baby in a manger.
Ever feel like you’re just not communicating with God? Do you pray, but you sense you’re just not understood?
Take heart. God understands your needs and desires even before you voice the words, or in whatever way you express yourself. He even knows what the baby in this video is thinking and talking about, even if we don’t and neither does R2D2!
Video: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxVHsWlE7hE
