Why blog now? When things are so busy? Well, I needed a chance to focus. I won't go over the details of my busyness--it is the stuff that every person faces--everyday work crammed into fewer work days and joined by festive parties, fellowships, school activities, church celebrations, and gift giving. Everything has value--but the value fades under the glare of time constraints. And every holiday season I wonder why my life becomes so day to day. I feel like the joy is squeezed out. Certainly there is not amazement at the business of Christmas. I don't want to tolerate the idea of Christmas. I want to enjoy it.
And within the midst of the season, I can't shake this sense of the Divine walking with me. And that is a good thing. I hear him calling this year. "Seek my face."
Like the Wise Men. They had miles to travel, and plenty of distractions: distance, time, a violent and lying king (Herod), expectations unmet (no baby in the palace). Yet they sought the promised King until they saw him--face to face.
Like Joseph and Mary. They endured the whispers about their relationship and sought the promise of God; and endured a tax-happy government and violent times. They obeyed the word of God. And then they saw and held the Word of God.
Like the shepherds. They were very afraid. Out in the fields. Late at night. With a flock to watch and jobs on the line. And they left it all for a moment--a glimpse--of the face of God.
Like the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna. They waited their whole lives to see the fulfillment of God's promised presence among his people. Patiently. Expectantly. Faithfully. And they saw the face of God in the Temple at his dedication.
Like me? What do I have to look past? What do I have to get over? What do I need to endure? What do I need to give up?
And Is it worth it to see the face of God, if just for a moment?
The shepherds went away praising God.
Simeon saw the Light of God and was at peace.
Mary considered God's work in her heart of hearts.
The Wise Men were overjoyed.
Definitely worth a moment of focus. On the one who provides a glimpse of God in a lost and dying world.
Seek his face. He is looking for you.
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