Draw Near!

January 7, 2021

Draw Near!

The Christmas tree at home, the decorations on the neighbor’s house, and the manger at the church have all been put away.  It feels good to have everything put away.  But, it also feels like something is missing.

I miss seeing the manger.  The rough-hewn wooden feed trough reminds me that for many families around Bethlehem, life was not easy.  There was not always a great deal of peace and joy.  There was not always enough food and always too much oppression. 

The manger invites my heart to be open to those for whom life is not easy.  Those who battle abuse or addiction or abandonment.  Those who face loneliness or loss or being overlooked.  Those who struggle with hunger or homelessness or hopelessness.  The manger is God’s intervention on behalf of those for whom life is not easy.

I miss seeing the manger.  With a little fresh straw to soften its weathered box, the manger provided the first place for the Son of God to lay His head.  I imagine it was no sooner than Jesus was gently laid down that Joseph and Mary drew near.  They marveled at the gift of life who would become the gift of life for the world.  Awe and wonder and praise were all around the manger.

It was not long until some shepherds drew near, too.  In Luke 2:16 we hear; “So they (the shepherds) went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.”  The shepherds drew near to the Son of God.  Luke tells us the shepherds draw near “with haste.”

There was every reason to hesitate, to hold back, to hold up.  Instead, the shepherds hurry to draw near to the Savior.  Their boldness and assertiveness encourage me.  Their strength and courage inspire me. 

When so many others are apathetic or at least uninspired, the shepherds make a different choice.  The shepherds draw near to the Son of God as quickly as they can.  They come boldly into the presence of the Son of God.

I wonder if the shepherds ran so they could draw near to Jesus lying in the manger.  I hope I would run to Jesus.  I pray you will run to Jesus, too. 

                If you are battling in a seemingly endless fight…run to Jesus!

                If you are facing a painful situation that is not getting better…run to Jesus!

                If you are struggling in a strained relationship…run to Jesus!

                If you are beaten down by disappointment…run to Jesus!

                If you are consumed with regret for the mess you made…run to Jesus!

Be bold!  Be strong!  Be courageous! 

Run to the heart of God. 

 Fall into the arms of Jesus.  Hurry to invite the Holy Spirit to lead you.  When you do, you will be filled with awe and wonder and praise for the amazing love of Jesus…even when your life is not easy.  You will find your heart taking delight in the Lord Jesus.    

Take delight in the Lord!

Doug