Yesterday morning was the last Sunday before Christmas in this year of 2008. Despite threatening weather, we went ahead with out annual Christmas program that same night. And the Lord blessed the effort with a good attendance and hopefully blessed those who braved the elements to attend.
But during the morning message we were told a story about a Christmas spectacular from years ago. The church was apparently a majestic scene with over 10,000 lights and additional decorations as well. It was a sight to behold!
When the celebration was over, all made their ways home. But upon arriving home, it dawned on the pastor that he had left a gift at the church and had to return. Upon entering the building he noticed light coming from what should have been a now darkened auditorium. Upon entering the large room he noticed the youth pastor of the church just sitting near the front all alone and starring at the amazing scene. The senior pastor walked quietly down the aisle, touched his associate's shoulder, and asked, “Phil, what are you still doing here?” The answer was unexpected. “I’m just soaking it all in for a few more minutes.”
As the celebration of the Incarnation comes, it so easy to get bogged down in all of the nice external stuff that is incorporated into the season. But for the Christian, the only one who can really fathom the reality of eternal God becoming human flesh and dwelling with us, there should be time set aside in private to just ‘soak it all in’.
There should be a many moments of reflecting on the ultimate Gift – the one that cost Christ everything in sacrifice and that requires us to only trust Him fully and be thankful eternally!
Don’t let the celebration of God’s greatest Gift to man come and go without giving Him thanks by ‘soaking it all in’.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Bill Breckenridge
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