GM: CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT CELEBRATING GOD’S PRESENCE WITH US
In the midst of grandfathering here in Miami – went to the latest Stars Wars Movie hours after arriving; then with great delight, two of them tried to declare me bankrupt in ( X Box) Monopoly the same night, and the following night all four came together and with my wife we had a wonderful time – yesterday morning I found a quiet moment before church, and read this wonderful and instructive meditation.
As we consider the profound reality of God’s presence with us in Christ Jesus, a passage of Scripture which came to mind, as I contemplated this message, reveals the huge difference that Jesus Christ, the Incarnate One, God with us, makes.
The Word of God
http://bible.com/111/heb.12.18-21.niv You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
This was the God that the Children of Israel, the Chosen Ones, to whom The God of Abraham revealed Himself in special way. A God, in a sense, far off, whose face no living creature could see and live.
But because of Christmas, and on account of the Atonement wrought on the Cross, we have Redemption of our sins. And on account of the Resurrection of Christ we also, who were baptised, have been raised to a New and unending Life, in whom God, the same God of Abraham, lives.
What a Mystery! What Joy! What Peace! What Power. To endure persecution and suffering; to fight for Justice for the weak and powerless; to live a Righteous life, and to be obedient and loyal to a holy God, in the midst of moral confusion; to have courage in the face of ISIS and murderous gunmen; and to search for the stray, bind up the wounded, comfort the grieving, go after the lost and rescue the perishing, care for the dying.
This is the context in which we need to understand what Brother Lawrence , one of the mystics of the early church (1605-1691) wrote about
CONTINUE IN HIS PRESENCE
Brother Lawrence
Verse: Proverbs 8:30….then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, (31) rejoicing in his inhabited world and always delighting in the human race.
There is no sweeter manner of living in the world than continuous communion with God……
If I were a preacher, I would preach nothing but practicing the presence of God. If I were to be responsible for guiding souls I the right direction, I would urge everyone to be aware of God’s constant presence; if no other reason than because his presence is such a delight to our souls and spirits.
It is, however, also necessary. If we knew how much we need God’s grace, we never lose touch with him. Believe me make a commitment never to deliberately stray from, to live the rest of your life in his holy presence. Don’t do this in expectation of receiving heavenly comforts, simply do it out if love for him.
Put your hand to the task! If you do not right, you will soon see the results
Comment: It cannot be by coincidence that the Sermon at #StMatthewTheApostle Episcopalian Church in Kendall Florida, was all about Mary. The one who had a servant heart, and believed the Angel, that she, who was poor, unmarried and of no account in the eyes of mankind, but who God ‘ regarded highly’, would give birth to Son of God.
Like #JordanSmith, the winner of #TheVoice2015 who sang the haunting song below, Mary had no idea what God’s plans in all of this was, but she believed, and was rewarded. Not with material blessings, but with the very presence of God in and with her, and all of mankind! And as Father Jamie said at the beginning, many are searching for a blessing this Christmas; the lonely, the brokenhearted, the financially distressed and the emotionally overwhelmed.
And the greatest blessing awaits all who would believe – The Blessed Sacrament of Holy Communion. Where as the songwriter declares in faith: ” Here O my Lord I see thee face to face…..”.
So as we enjoy the company of family and friends, and share in a meaningful way with the poor, and the lonely, whether we are Miss Universe for a few minutes, or for an entire year #SteveHarvey, whether we are in Miami, or ‘ on the rock’ in Jamaica, let us be determined to believe, as Mary did, that Jesus Christ, is ‘ the Lord of all Creation’. And that ‘ He lives, He lives, within our hearts’; once we believe.
And since like Jesus, belief is a gift from God, cry out to Him this Christmas, in the same way a father many years ago, cried out to Jesus. And about which story I was led to tweet last night.
I believe help my unbelief Mark 9:24 So that like Mary I may believe and that you O God may #PerformMiracles #MerryChristmas
For, we too wish to have The Peace and the Joy, that only the Crucified Christ, ‘ Heaven’s Perfect Lamb’, can bring. And it ought to be our prayer, that as this Christ lives in us, out of us, in a mysterious way, will flow ‘ streams of living waters’, the promised Holy Spirit, who Only can bring Peace to a Troubled World.
Mary Did You Know Lyrics
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God
Oh, Mary did you know
The blind will see,
the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again
The lame will leap,
the dumb will speak,
The praises of the lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I am
danielgodsurelywilldeliver 