1 Kings 19:11-13–A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake, fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave and stood there. A quiet voice asked, “So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here” (MSG)?
Every year, I make resolutions to shop less, buy less, bake less, wrap less, and eat less. (Sigh) I make resolutions to place Christ’s birthday high on the priority list by reading my Bible more, singing carols, and praying more. (Sigh) Every year, I climb back on the same old treadmill and set expectations that are too high for anyone, especially me! (Sigh) This year, I stopped ‘doing’ so much so that I could concentrate on ‘being’ what God wants me to be.
We pack more food, gifts and wrapping into Christmas than God ever intended! If three gifts were good enough God’s child, Jesus, than three gifts are good enough for ours. We can’t hear God in noise, bustle and confusion. Like Elijah, we will find him in the still, quiet moments of our day.
Prayer: Father God, when we stumble and get caught up yet again in the frantic frenzy of the holiday, draw us apart for a moment. Help us to hear what you are saying to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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