鈥淥 come all ye faithful鈥︹��
These past few weeks the words of those familiar but ancient Christmas carols have invited me to think far beyond the hubbub that can come with the Christmas season. I assume that a good percentage of people living in North America (and even beyond) are at least aware of the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby in the manger. I鈥檝e heard it and, I am quick to say that I believe it, but it鈥檚 far too easy to take it for granted.
After I decided to use these carols as a basis for this year鈥檚 December articles, I鈥檝e been doing a lot of thinking and praying that I would gain a fresh insight into the meaning of them and their application to my personal life. Hopefully you will find them applicable to yours, as well.
First, there鈥檚 the invitation to those who either currently profess Christ and those who, hopefully, will some day do the same. Come. It鈥檚 a voluntary journey to meet Him. Even as we muse on Mary鈥檚 divine conception, there is an awe that He would come to us. That God would love us so much. Us. Me.
Why then am I to come to Him? He鈥檚 calling to all, not to just one person or to any exclusive group, to come. Faithfulness is essential if we are to find peace in our lives because as we learn to trust more, we will see Him more clearly in every circumstance. We can come confused but let鈥檚 not allow that to stop us from coming.
Finally, we are to come purposefully. I won鈥檛 say much but ask yourself this: as we gather to worship, is my heart focused on Him alone or are negative emotions such as anger or bitterness, hindering our view?
鈥淐ome鈥et us adore Him!鈥�
