Sunday, December 21, 2008

My meant to be Devotions

We had our Christmas get-together yesterday. I love getting together with my family. Even though part of me wished to crawl under covers and sleep til Monday. I have been blessed with a gnarly cold. I am a stubborn person especially when it comes to being sick. I can not stand when I can not do what I want to do.

I had worked slightly on a devotion for our party. It was something that kind of struck me. I had wanted to do it for Dad. He always get stuck doing the devotions. I think sometimes it is a love to do/hate to do kind of thing. And I know that sometimes he stresses out about them. Even though he always does such a phenomenal job. So I wanted to take a stress off him. But being so sick and somewhat overwrought, I couldn't.

So here's what I had. I was going to have each person read a part. And then put the paper flipped over in the middle of the table. On the back, it would read Ch, ri, s, t, is, h, e, r, e

Mary: I was there, thoughtful and faithful. I went through things none had ever been through then or since. But I believed.

Joseph: I was there, supporting my wife. I believed her and God. We traveled far to come to the land of my birth. I would be there for his birth but his death would give all new life.

Shepherd: I was there, in awe and joyous. Everything that the angel told us came true. How could we stop from praising God for all the wondrous things we saw? And still see to this day.

Angel: I was there, praising and a messenger. Spreading the good news that this day would be born a savior. Even into this mortal flesh with all its pain and sorrow, how could one not but sing to his glory?

Star: I was there, shining a way to the Lord. Much like his Word still shines a way to him too.

Wise Men: I seek what all men seek. Salvation. Love. For all my gifts, his was greater still.

Ass: I was there. What was my burden of his mother to the burden for which he would carry even unto his death?

Innkeeper: I was there. How hectic a time was that? People stuck in every which how and place, only to find more on my doorstep looking for room. Imagine your house full to the gills. A man has to turn someone away. Yet how many more turn from him now?

Christ: I am here.

Christmas. Christ mass.

All those there for this one defining event. All those there to play a part. All crowded and around this singular person. Christ. Everything revolves around him. As it should now.

Then as now, there are so many things pulling away from Christ. Mothers, husbands, things to be gotten and given, messages to receive and get, seekers, burdens and hectic times.

But in the end, all that falls away and he is left. He is the pure grain when all the chaff is worn away. The Messiah. The Savior. That which all men seek and all may find. Amen.

Good night and find him.

1 comment:

John Cowart said...

Dearest Eve,
Your party was a phenomenal success. You outdid yourself in providing for us all.

In doing the reading, I felt I was usurping your place. And, you are right in knowing that I regard such public speaking with a love/hate attitude. The devotional you had planned is charming. I look forward to your presenting one at another family gathering soon.

Love, Dad