We were fortunate to spend last holiday season in a condo in Maui. We have spent many vacations on this island. There is nothing better than watching the sunrise over the ocean. It is absolutely spectacular. The warm colors and the steady ray of light peeking through the clouds are amazing. However, I can easily miss it be being busy reading or simply sleeping in. The sun will rise; I cannot cause it or control it. But, I choose whether I will be awake to experience it. The Christmas story is as simple and as difficult as that.
The gospel is the shocking, unbelievable, radical story of the way God comes to be with us in Jesus Christ. We would never have gone searching for a God who would do something like this. We can no more “find God” that we can cause the sun to rise. God comes to find us.
The Incarnation is the intrusive story of the God who comes to us, just like the sun rises to break the darkness of night. However, we can miss the dawn if we aren’t awake to see it.
Don’t allow the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to distract you. I challenge you to be still and let God come to you. Look at the sunrise as a symbol that God is there to break the dawn and give us light and faith to carry on throughout the day.
From my family to yours I wish you a joyous holiday season.