Worship

This precious little nativity has been with me for many years. A few pieces have been broken during storage. For years, the figures which survived were safely arranged on a bathroom shelf during the holiday season.

Now, they are once again fighting for survival on the carpeted floor where almost daily some little something threatens their fragile existence. But doesn’t it look cute among the lights? Kinda makes me think of the place where Mary and Joseph huddled alone in the night. Were they afraid or worried as they waited for the birth of the foretold Messiah?

I’m pretty sure it was some time later the wise men came to find Jesus, the One about whom the Scriptures prophesied. But I like putting them at the manger scene. I think maybe their gifts helped the young family survive as they fled to Egypt to escape the wicked King Herod.

My little kings are having a rough season. Bless their ceramic hearts! These little guys are tougher than most. They keep falling face down toward Joseph, Mary, and Jesus who sit safely inside the little stable.

But I got to thinking. Surprise, right?

Typical homage during that period could include kneeling or being prostrate with foreheads touching the ground. These wealthy, wise men humbled themselves before a child who had been born in a manger! In worship, they honored the little guy. They knew who He was and did what was deemed appropriate for One who had years ahead of Him without others knowing His true identity.

I wonder if those who heard of the purpose of the wise men as they journeyed to the Baby Jesus ever wondered about the rich procession which passed by. In later years, did they hear of Jesus and wonder if He could be the One the magi had searched for all those years ago? Did any of those in Jerusalem who saw and heard of their quest go investigate on their own? Did any of them remember the prophecies about the Messiah who would be born in Bethlehem?

In this busy holiday season, I am trying my best to honor Jesus.

But dang it! My mind is like a distracted dog who goes after one thing or another instead of focusing on the prey the hunter seeks.

This week’s sermon was on worshipping. I get it. I really do. But then I think about my to-do list, or the dirty dishes still in the sink, or the laundry, or figuring when I am going to be a good girl (old lady) and do my therapy  exercises. Sigh.

So, at this moment, I am going to finish up this blog and like the wise men, I am going to take time to worship. I am going to thank God for who He is. I want to rejoice in His presence as I remember the ‘God Moments’ of my day. Tonight, I am praising God through His Word given to us.

Psalm 95:6 ‘Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!’

Psalm 150:6 ‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!’

Psalm 103:1 ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!’

Blessings

Kara Beth