Saturday, December 19, 2009

"God Came Near"

I receive a weekly writing by Max Lucado, who is extremely talented in such endeavors, and I just had to share. I've done that before because he is brilliant, but more importantly the One he spoke of is beyond any words I can use to describe Him. He is my Lord and Savior. He is beyond brilliant, beautiful, sovereign, almighty, loving, merciful, gracious, precious and the One True God. I am in awe of Him.

Take a moment and thank Him for all that He is and all that He will forever be. If you don't know Him, I would love to tell you all about His Majesty and the gift He so freely has given.

Blessings in Christ, Carol


Do You See Him?

by Max Lucado

IT’S CHRISTMAS NIGHT. THE HOUSE IS QUIET. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace. The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o’clock news. The last of the apple pie was eaten by my brother-in-law. And the last of the Christmas albumshave been stored away having dutifully performed their annual rendition of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeers.

It’s Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I’m awake. I’m kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.

The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

It’s the season to be jolly because, more than at any other time, we think of him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.

And the result?

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty.

All of a sudden he’s everywhere.

In the grin of the policeman as he drives the paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage.

In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children.

In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.

He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.

He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.

And he’s in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger.”

Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

It’s Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin—lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half price. Soon life will be normal again. December’s generosity will become January’s payments and the magic will begin to fade.

Excerpted fromBut for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that’s why I’m still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?

6 comments:

Debra Kaye said...

Carol,

This is so beautiful. I love the way Max Lucado writes. Thank you for stopping by. I've missed you. The Lord has really spoken to me about my time on the computer and I've had to cut way back between the blog and facebook and trying just to be a good wife and Mom. Thank you for remaining loyal and coming to see me!

Blessings to you this Christmas season.

He & Me + 3 said...

Carol,

That was awesome! I love Max..what an amazing writer he is. Thank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Mimi

Andrea said...

Great post. He is an amazing writer.
Blessings and prayers, andrea

Joyce said...

I love the way he writes...thanks for sharing. I enjoyed your cookie post too...still trying to catch up with things at home so a little behind..tis the season!

Did you get snow? London had some but I didn't hear if it was up your way or not...we're mid-blizzard as I type. Hubs made it to the train station, daughter is on the train which is running about a half hour late...then they have to get home. They do plow well and often so I'm hoping they don't have any trouble.

How was Salzburg? Enjoy this week of Christmas!

Beth Herring said...

I am with you sister - Max Lucado is so talented and so inspired of the HOly Spirit. I love to read anything he writes.


I enjoyed this poast and I think I need to go out and by that book.

Love to you this season.

Beth

Kat said...

I am taking a few minutes to catch up. I can't stand missing one of your posts and have been so involved in the silly real life business lately... but half the family are suffering from colds and moaning in front of a movie so I thought I would just visit a while.

Anyway, this is just beautiful and sums up many sentiments I try to put into words in a way I never could. His perspective is wonderful and he is a most talented writer. Thanks for sharing, Carol.

kat