So, it's been a hard couple weeks. The pressures of marriage prep, wedding planning, preparing to move and working have been weighing heavy on me. A few victories here and there, but I feel as though discouragement has become an all too familiar companion. And my seeking of God has become an all too distant memory.
But this morning, while reminded that "Worship is how we fight," I decided to do just that - worship God. And as I sang, prayed, and read, I thought again about this reality of "Immanuel"... God with us in the flesh; God with us in our hearts; God with us forever. I was beginning to pray that I would experience Jesus coming in my heart when I stopped short - Christ already is in my heart. I experience Advent everyday. It's a bit redundant to pray that, right?
But here is the truth I was told... I can miss it - like I've been missing it. I can be totally oblivious to the fact that Christ has come.
...Just like 2,000 years ago.
Nevermind the dozens of Messianic prophecies - the majority of the people in Bethlehem that night had NO CLUE that their God had been born in their city... As promised. The only ones aware of that magnificent truth - that so easily accessible truth - that blessed, life-giving truth - were a handful of shepherds.
There He was, God in the flesh... And the majority of people missed it. And as He grew up, that would be the theme... Even with all the miracles, all the teaching, all the eating, drinking, living and loving... Most people missed it.
But hey, can't be too judgmental can we? Because I for one miss Him pretty much everyday. There He is - Christ. Christ in my mind, my heart, my body, my soul - the Holy Spirit dwelling in freakin every part of me - and what do I do? I hurry along anxiously to the next task. I embrace my pet sins to comfort me. I choose sleep as an escape. I snap and bite at the people I love - or I distance myself. I look over the Word with a cursory, dutiful glance.
I miss His coming. He's there alright - but my mind's eye doesn't see Him.
So I changed my prayer to a request to give me eyes that see Him; a soul that senses Him; a heart that cares about this reality. Immanuel - God with us. Every day. Right now.
I just pray we don't miss it.
