The Quiet Voice of the Lord

We woke up today to snow.  Something we do not experience too often in this area.  The world we normally interact with has changed for a day or two.  To some it is a beautiful time.  To others it can be beautiful but also an inconvenience, for daily duties will require them to navigate through the snow.  Whatever the reason you go outside you cannot help but notice the quietness. There are no automobile sounds in the distant background. The snow is muffling what little sound there is, for even the birds are quiet; hunkering down to preserve body heat. I am reminded of the bible verses about the Lord passing by:

“Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face.”                                                    (1 Kings 19: 11-13)

Below is last Sunday's comic from Family Circus, one of my favorites strips.  It is so appropriate for us today.  Sometimes we let the noise of our life get in the way of hearing God.  In the quietness that is all around you today, listen for the voice of the Lord.  May you be blessed in your trying.

The Epiphany of the Lord

Ebenezer Scrooge with Tiny Tim

This Sunday is The Epiphany of the Lord. We read of the magi that followed a star to worship a newborn King. These magi are very important to us and to the world. They represent more than just learned men that have studied the ancient prophets; they represent each one of us. The revelation that comes through the magi is that God is not just calling a chosen few but the whole world. The epiphany is that Christ’s kingship extends to all nations.

The magi gave the baby Jesus gifts. Each gift was probably carefully thought out as befitting a king. Recall the Christmas gifts you gave to those you love. You used time, thought and even expense in considering the gift. It did not matter; the gifts were given out of love. The Christmas season is ending but do not forget those gifts you gave. Remember the effort they required and the love you put into them. We should use that same effort and love to shed the message of the newborn King to everyone we meet. Be the light that shows that Christ’s kingship truly does extend to the whole world and that it does not stop with the end of the Christmas season.

You still have gifts to give. Reach out to others and share the gifts God has given you. Be as it was said of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: “And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”--(This post is also on my Facebook page)