Seeing is Believing.
I just met someone who reminded me where the meaning of Christmas is found.
His name is Michael. I've never seen him before, nor had he me. He walked into our church office asking for help with gas to get to another town where a VA program has been made available to him. Now, I've heard a similar story before. "I just need a few dollars for gas to get to ______." But something about Michael convinced me his request was coming from a vulnerable place of need within his heart. It wasn't his tone of voice, or the clarity of his answers in reply to questions I asked while listening to his story. It was the look in his eyes. The way you can only truly see a person when you've gazed into their eyes for longer than a few moments. I could feel the depth of his humanness and begin to recognize the beautiful complexity of the narrative of his life's joys and struggles. Standing by the gas pump I realized that I was standing next to one of God's children, and the concrete upon which we both stood had become holy ground.
As Michael and I stood there waiting for his tank to top off, we enjoyed conversation. We talked about church league sports, which he'd played years ago. We discussed his trades work of pouring concrete and painting. We enjoyed chatting about things that didn't place me "up here" and him "down there." For a few minutes, we were just two men enjoying each other's company.
While looking at Michael the phrase, "Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men" echoed in the back of my mind. On a chilly Monday in early December God reminded me what this season is all about. Our common humanity. The simple joy that each of us is blessed to share space in this world with others. The gratitude that wells up inside you when you realize that you've been the one helped the most through giving rather than receiving.
As we near Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, watch familiar holiday films, and enjoy company with loved ones may we remember that the meaning of a baby born in a manger who has come to save and heal the world finds its way into our lives when we do more than simply look for a few brief moments at the men, women, and children around us who are in need. We remember the Good News of Christmas when we SEE those who've been weakened by the world and could use a helping hand. We live that same Good News when we allow the Christ within us to become the answer to someone else's prayer.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jarad
