Saturday, December 23, 2006

 “Let us go now to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has taken place.”
 (Luke 2:15)

The shepherds probably were the least able people in Israel to give presents to Jesus for his birth. They were the servants, the hired hands, and considered outcasts in that society, for they were constantly dirty and their work was messy, too. They were the people who could find no other work. Yet it is to them that the angels announce the birth of Jesus. What could they do?

And what gift did they have to bring? Have you thought that perhaps their very willingness to come to the manger, to be present at that wonderful event was the thing they could give? Not just their presence, of course. They also had the account of the marvelous things which had occurred to them on the hillsides...the message of the angels which they could share once they arrived, the wonder that this was not just another birth, but one which heaven itself celebrated.

We forget sometimes that our presence is a gift to Christ and his church. By our very being there, we add to the celebrations and we hear the announcements of God’s plans and hopes for us all. Will we neglect this way of sharing our lives with the Lord Jesus?  The gift of out presence is one of hope and encouragement, of our desire to be a part of the great family of God’s people.

HAVE WE NEGLECTED TO BE PRESENT WHEN GOD IS SHOWING US HIS LOVE AND GRACE?

Prayer: Lord God, help us be where you are at work, both body and spirit, so that when you give your world blessing, we may be a part of that gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dr. John Clifford