Awake!

image by EM Zapka (c)

December 25, 2107
Christmas Day
Luke 2:15-20, The Message (MSG)
 
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.”
 
Its Christmas morning.  Anticipation climaxes.  Who will be the first awake and out of bed? What surprises appeared in the night? Will each person like the gift I give?  Will the kids sleep just a little longer? Will what I most hoped for come today?
 
They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
 
Often Christmas morning is the time we relax from the urgency of holiday build-up.   In that relaxing, if we intend it, holiday can turn to Holy Day. Will there be space in the day of giving, games, and feasting for remembering that today we celebrate the culmination of prophet’s dreams?  Imagine God listening in on the conversational sideline:
Who is awake?
How will they receive the gift I give?
Will what I most hope for happen today?
 
Each of us responds uniquely to God’s incredible act of self-giving as Jesus enters our lives. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! Whether you are a quiet “heart treasurer” or someone who lets it lose with a shout, may the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill your life with grace extending into every day to come. This is the gift. This is the hope.  This is to whom we awake.