Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Stretching out

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Matthew 2:9-12
After their audience with King Herod the Magi set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

During this Advent and Christmas season my thoughts have turned over and over to Jesus. So I've written about him, used my imagination however I could, and invited his presence. I've had the chance to study and pray about details of the story we have of Jesus' birth.

But Jesus is a social guy. He wants me to do much more than sit alone to think and pray. He encourages me to mix it up with the people around me. "When two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). And most convincingly he identifies himself with all those he wants me to touch and love:

"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"And the King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:35-40).

Especially in the winter, I love to spend time alone. Hibernation isn't just for bears. My body quiets down, and I crave extra sleep and extra quiet time. But even in January the times I feel Jesus closest are when I'm with others.

Watching The Nativity Story brought the wise men to life for me. Both scholarly and social, they found together the great strength required to journey hundreds of miles on their mission from God. They were rewarded a few hours with Jesus, time to share their gifts with him and receive the peace that only God on earth can give.

Having spent time with the denizens of Herod's court and with the king himself, they may have found it easier to heed the message in their dreams to avoid him on the journey home. I suppose they settled back in to their routines. But they were never the same. Jesus changed them forever.

In one day and out the other, Lord, you are with me. Make me generous and free with all I have, like you are, Jesus.

Devotions Archive

Stretching out

Sunday, January 4, 2009