I use to live within walking distance of a mall - the kind with the really nice anchor department
stores. Lots of people were like, "Oh, that would be way too dangerous for me", and I let them know that thankfully, it does nothing for me. I prefer to live in clothes that do not zip or snap and slide right over my head - which pretty much means, mall perusing isn't a good fit for me since too many people would solicit me for new apparel or makeovers.
Don't get me wrong, it was great in the winter to bring my pre-schoolers to get some running around while the outside temps were frigid (even risked obtaining germs). And, it was great a few years later to teach them the word, "no". When they asked to go to the mall, every once in a while I would actually allow it. I would leave my wallet at home and basically torture them by walking in and around stores that they liked and they would want stuff and they would only get one reply ;). Made for a lovely day - but they learned.
As we are deep into this season of Advent, and almost at its cusp, I was shown something new from a seven-minute talk by James Finley, at Center for Action and Contemplation. Most of you are probably familiar with this idea, but for some reason it was new to me.
Part II: I went to see the movie "Star". I'm not recommending it, but it did get me thinking about the animals that potentially were at the manger, since it was from their perspective. Movies always give me good material, so here goes. As we visualize the Nativity Scene - do you see who Jesus was born with? He was born with those no one really cares about - the ones not being counted - the ones who are invisible.
Today, wouldn't that be the prisoner and the addict and the homeless and those in nursing homes that do not get visitors...? That's where Jesus started His life here as Immanuel. This is where we will find Him, and if we do the math, this is where we will find peace. Once we have spent time in the quietness and stillness of The Manger, we realilze what we smell like. The peace comes when we realize that He embraces us in the midst of this. He strips us of our need to be counted because He accepts and embraces our mess - and then compels us to do the same.
"O Lord God, whose chosen dwelling is the heart of the lowly: We give thee thanks that thou didst reveal thyself in the holy child, Jesus, thereby sanctifying all childhood in him. We beseech thee to make us humble in faith and love, that we may know the joy of the Gospel that is hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes. Amen" - From the Book of Worship
Flikr photo by Brett Streutker (mall)
Don't get me wrong, it was great in the winter to bring my pre-schoolers to get some running around while the outside temps were frigid (even risked obtaining germs). And, it was great a few years later to teach them the word, "no". When they asked to go to the mall, every once in a while I would actually allow it. I would leave my wallet at home and basically torture them by walking in and around stores that they liked and they would want stuff and they would only get one reply ;). Made for a lovely day - but they learned.
As we are deep into this season of Advent, and almost at its cusp, I was shown something new from a seven-minute talk by James Finley, at Center for Action and Contemplation. Most of you are probably familiar with this idea, but for some reason it was new to me.
"There was no room for them in the Inn." (Luke 2:7)The Inn was a busy place. There was actually no room anywhere around town because there were so many people coming from all over for the census - to be counted (save that for later). It was busy, hectic, and full. Huh - sounds like a mall in December to me. Finley goes on to remind us that Jesus was born in the quiet. He encourages us to find Him there, as well. We allow Jesus to be accessed in us as we embrace The Manger life, the one away from the crowd. We become embraced in this quiet place. When we are busy running around in the crowd, we cannot be held.
"People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole" (Isaiah 26:3)Just like Mary and Joseph had to struggle to find a place for His arrival, it is something we have to fight for as we go against what everyone else seems to be doing right now. The Manger life versus the Inn (or Mall) life is the one that actually brings peace and contentment. So, when we find ourselves stressed, this is our medicine. Isaiah 26:3 affirms this. Undivided focus leads to peace - pretty much because He fills us with Himself when we are with Him.
Today, wouldn't that be the prisoner and the addict and the homeless and those in nursing homes that do not get visitors...? That's where Jesus started His life here as Immanuel. This is where we will find Him, and if we do the math, this is where we will find peace. Once we have spent time in the quietness and stillness of The Manger, we realilze what we smell like. The peace comes when we realize that He embraces us in the midst of this. He strips us of our need to be counted because He accepts and embraces our mess - and then compels us to do the same.
"People at the bottom of every power curve are God's primary concern: the oppressed, the broken-hearted, those experiencing captivity - political and social, such as occupation, and those imprisoned - with no mention of guilt of innocence, and those who mourn (Is 61:1-2). The well-being of these is at the heart of the gospel in both testaments." - Wil GafneyWhen we learn this, something pretty cool happens. When your mean mom takes you to the mall without her wallet, you can walk around and look at everything but want for nothing because you have been made whole. You have allowed your imperfect self to be embraced at The Manger and you have been filled by doing the same for others.
"O Lord God, whose chosen dwelling is the heart of the lowly: We give thee thanks that thou didst reveal thyself in the holy child, Jesus, thereby sanctifying all childhood in him. We beseech thee to make us humble in faith and love, that we may know the joy of the Gospel that is hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes. Amen" - From the Book of Worship
Flikr photo by Brett Streutker (mall)
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