HOW GOD COMES

December 21, 2006
From John Ross Thompson


HOW GOD COMES

“I descend on my love
As dew on a flower.”
        --Mechtild of Magdeburg, 13th century Christian mystic

Whether or not we have snow for Christmas this year, we’ll have a soft landing. God often comes quietly, slipping into our world when we are ready to receive this greatest Gift.

It’s time to put aside the preparations and drink in the One who comes. It’s hard for some of us who are givers to be on the receiving end, but Christmas demands that. If we can’t receive, then we don’t know the size or meaning of the gift.

No matter what kind of year you have had, the Christ child is one who promises new life, hope and joy in days to come. Memories of the past remind us of what God can do, but our God continues to surprise us. The angels who promised “peace on earth” offered it as something that is already here, if we will receive it.

Already this month, this congregation has poured itself out for others. We have celebrated in Sunday worship, had Christmas gatherings and concerts, welcomed family and other visitors, watched children re-enact the Nativity, been lifted by sacred music, distributed scores of mittens, scarves and gloves, prepared and delivered 32 Christmas food baskets to grateful families, studied the Advent scriptures, and reached out in many other ways, often anonymously. Now it is time to receive for ourselves the Gift.

Wherever you are for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and also for the days of Christmastide until January 6, I hope you will pause, see the stillness and peace that surround our world, and accept the gift that God offers to all.

Soon, the New Year will come, and we will be back at full pace, offering our gifts and time to transform the world for Christ. For now, however, feel the peace, see the Gift, and receive the Christ who comes.

A Merry and Holy Christmas to all!