Manger | Presence
The manger is the incarnation—the God who takes on flesh, even to the point of being born in an animal feed box. The manger means that God is not distant, but near. It means that he comes to be with, so that you are not without him. It means that God dwells in the midst of messy human drama.
The gospel as the presence of God is thrilling news for those who are distant from God. This is gospel for those who feel lonely, alienated, and hurt. For those who feel inadequate. For those who feel that God could never love them, never come to them. For those who feel like the very lowest social caste. The manger: God’s presence with us.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Remember that you were at one time separated from Christ, alienated…having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
Word
“From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4)
Meditation
“Hold it Together” by Anna Jacob
It has been quite a while now since I have felt alone. It has been a nice change, having someone around. Part of me feels like I spent years practicing how to be alone. And now, here I am, looking to commit to one person for the rest of my life, preparing to spend that time with him—through the good and the bad days.
Being single for a couple decades has definitely helped me to become a more independent individual. I have learned to do for myself what needs to be done. And while I may not have had the added responsibilities of others, such as a spouse or children, life could feel overwhelming.
Feeling alone can cause you to look for and turn to something for comfort. Comfort can come in many forms; for some that might be alcohol or chocolate. Others may look for another type of escape like reading or going to the movies. We look for comfort when we are sad and alone. But those things we reach for may not always be the best things for us. Often they bring only temporary relief or become an unreliable crutch to lean on.
Earlier this year, I was venting to friends at church when one boldly told me to take a breath. He walked away, and while I stood in a state of brief confusion, he soon returned with a cup of water. A thank you stumbled out of my mouth. His response, “You do for others what they won’t do for themselves.”
That moment has stuck with me for many months now.
How often do we get wrapped up in life and forget to slow down, breathe, and take a moment to check in with God? We often thirst for God but in our moments of frustration or sadness we neglect him. We struggle with sin and attempt to conquer it on our own. But that battle has already been won. God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. Through Jesus, death has been defeated and sin can no longer separate us from God.
As Christians, our hope in God allows us to turn to him even when we feel like we do not have anyone in our life who will understand. Even in those weird moments where it feels like God might not be there, you can lean into your faith. You can trust in the knowledge that he promises to never leave you. As you struggle to keep your life together or as you face daily challenges and times of frustration, God is in those moments with you. Ultimately, God is at the center of all things. As Colossians 1:17 says, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
God does not abandon us. His presence is there no matter our situation. But when you next feel alone, try taking a moment to stop, breathe, and call on him. Ask him to be with you, to fill you up—with his word, with his grace, with his love.
Closing Prayer
Lord of the nations, by your presence, confront all violence, injustice, and turmoil. Bring peace to nations suffering war and crisis. Only You can repair broken trust and the pain of crisis. To a world of separation and division, bring your presence, O Lord. Amen.