Getting Ready to Meet with Christ

Our Thanksgiving was very special this year. I think it was the first time Margo and I haven't hosted other folks; we just spent the day as a family (and caring for the new puppies). Because this is likely Ben's last year with us before heading out to college, he played a major role in determining the menu. It was fun to break tradition a bit. It was even more fun to have enough leftovers to share with another family later in the afternoon (who had an unexpected hospital experience interrupt their holiday plans, and then share dessert with more friends in the evening.

Friday was spent decorating the house and launching into the Christmas season. I totally love our home at Christmastime. Having spent so much time in the flatlands of Nebraska and the desert of Arizona, it's an almost storybook blessing to spend Christmas here in Virginia. Everything is so beautiful, and there are delightful traditions in this community. We'll be there for the Christmas parade in old town next weekend. We've got guests with us for about half the month of December. We're hosting two nights of Christmas parties for our growing church. I can't wait for Santa and the Fire Department to visit later in the month. But for now, the house is twinkling with lights and anticipation.

But as much as I love the simple wonders of the holiday in December, this time of year is always an opportunity for me to reflect on my relationship with Christ. After all, we're celebrating God's decision to enter into our world as one of us -- to draw close to us, to make himself wholly available and revealed, and to establish an intimate friendship with us based on his willing sacrifice. The Incarnation is an utterly amazing event, and I sometimes feel sad for pastors who actually dread this time of year because they can't think of anything fresh to say, or because they feel the oppressive competition with commercialism, or because they know their own workload is likely to increase significantly. I even read a note from another pastor this week who was quick to point out that the early church didn't celebrate the Incarnation as a holiday; he implied that we might be better off following their example.

Oh, but I love the celebration of God With Us. I don't have any trouble seeing past the tinsel, snowmen, retail sales, or fat flying elves. All that cultural myth is simply a lot of fun. And, after all, I alway say that Christmas isn't really here until I've heard Elvis' "Blue Christmas" playing on the radio. Yet past all that holiday chaos is the most wondrous truth, still celebrated with magnificent carols and beautiful expressions of kindness and cheer.

God drew near to us. He's drawn near to me. He has entered our world and entered my life. He has made himself available so that we can fully know him in a way our modest mortal minds can comprehend. He's shown us what a truly purposeful and compassionate life looks like. He's demonstrated purity and holiness so that we might follow his example. God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of Hosts and the Ruler of all nations, has become my friend and desires nothing more than for me to be totally engulfed in his love and grace.

So as we're hanging up the stockings and putting out the little nativity figures, my mind and heart are wandering to the much bigger task of preparing myself to meet with Christ all over again. At this time in my journey, I'm feeling hungry for more -- for more depth, for more passion, for more guidance, for more healing, for more understanding, for more discipline and refinement, for more fellowship, for more transformation... and so much more. I'm eager to know and experience Immanuel afresh. I'm eager to join the armies of heaven in shouting out for God's glory in the night. I'm eager to stand alongside the wise men and offer what meager treasures I have in celebration of my Lord. I'm eager to sit with Mary, gaze in wonder, and ponder all these things in my heart.