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Friday, December 18, 2009

Make Yourself Like a Shepherd Luke 2:15-20

Yesterday I read through the first two chapters of Luke, which is the most beautiful rendition of God's faithfulness in His promises and salvation. Clips of these verses have been stirring through my mind throughout the day which leads me to this little story.

Scott and I have 3 daughters ages 3, 5, and 8. To say they are anticipating Christmas is putting it lightly. We've had our Christmas tree up since the beginning of December and we have been receiving boxes in the mail from family across the miles. When these packages arrive the girls unpack them, jump on the bubble wrap, and begin placing the presents under the tree. Of course, being a 3, 5 or 8 year old at Christmas doesn't come with much resistance to picking up the packages, checking the tags, shaking them, squeezing them etc. Last night the girls decided to organize the presents into stacks by name. They had them into the middle of the living room floor and I said to them "wow, you are all really excited about Christmas." My 8 year old, Hailey, exclaimed, "Mom, the whole world is excited about Christmas!"

I thought to myself that Hailey would have been a wonderful shepherd-pure, genuine excitement that couldn't be restrained. Luke 2:20 states the shepherds returned glorifying God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Now I know that Hailey was mostly referring to the excitement and anticipation of opening the presents, but you see God gave us a present that night--and we are to come to God like children Matthew 18:3.

For some reason showing pure, uncontrollable excitement is difficult for adults but as you watch children get giddy with anticipation this season, try to remember how the shepherds began spreading the news of the Savior's birth with the same awe and excitement of a child at Christmas! When you focus on what the word "glorifying" really looks like, in my mind it's pure worship; quiet, loud, exuberant, giddy, laughing, tears, amazement, stillness...try to capture some of that when you meet with God this week and as you share with friends and neighbors about Him! It might feel uncomfortable at first, but for certain, it's contagious!

I leave you today with this version of Joy to the World by Fee All Creation Sing



Peace and Joy to you! Tanya

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Good thoughts. It's too bad that Hailey isn't correct in her observation, but alas the whole world is not excited about Christmas. We can get too busy to enjoy the excitement of the true celebration of our saviors birth. Let us not become so burdened that we forget to spread the good news and enjoy the excitement of the season ourselves. Maybe if we can show some enthusiasm, the whole world will be excited about Christmas.