Scripture: 1 Samuel 1: 19-28: “And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Verses 26-28
The verses above are a part of the story of Hannah who was the wife of Elkanah. Hannah was the second wife and she was very sad that she could not conceive a child. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah had given him many children and liked to taunt Hannah about her situation. However, Elkanah loved Hannah more which only seemed to make the infertility much harder to bear. So Hannah prayed and prayed and was observed by the priest Eli as she prayed. In her prayers, she vowed that if the Lord of hosts would grant her a baby boy, then she would give him to the priests to become a nazirite. God eventually heard her petition and the baby, Samuel was born. True to her vow, Hannah cared for him until an appropriate age when he was taken to the priests for the remainder of his life.
On this day before Christmas Eve, we are fully into the anticipation of the birth of Baby Jesus. We’re down to the last minute preparations—probably a frenzy of activity. But I ask you to pause with me as we contemplate another baby—a baby that was promised to God before he was conceived. Hannah bargained for his very life. She desired to be a mother so much that she promised an excruciating exchange. Are there any similarities to Jesus’ birth?
Perhaps the two stories are entwined because they are both based on a matchless love. Hannah wanted a child and loved God enough to bargain with God to grant her petition. God saw her need and through His grace, sent Samuel to her. She in turn carried out her vow to give Samuel back to God as a priest-in-training. With the gift of Jesus, God examined the hearts of men and found that there was a lack of God’s presence. God loved the human race so much that he sent his only begotten son as a promise of a new covenant with us. Jesus came as Emmanuel: “God with us”.
Both Hannah and God were presenting their children as gifts to others. Both gave away something so very precious and priceless. I cannot imagine this sacrifice. Although there were times that my boys tried my patience and I desired a vacation from them, I could never have given them to someone else to rear. I dedicated them to God at their baptism and they have been nurtured and cared for by a host of spiritual leaders, but I have never felt the pain of sacrifice as great as Hannah’s. I cannot begin to interpret the mystery of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God’s only son. Let us simply rejoice that this miracle has been given to us. As we await the birth, scheduled to arrive in two days, may we all rejoice in all our gifts, especially the best, most precious gift of God’s LOVE. “Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sign.”
Dear God, caretaker of all our needs, help us to open our hearts and minds to accept your gifts to us. We thank you for all we have been given and all that is yet in store for us. We are especially grateful for the gift of your Love that was so freely presented in the form of the Baby Jesus. Be with each of us as we attempt a closer relationship with You. Grant us a greater faith and everlasting peace. Amen.
Chyrl Budd
No comments:
Post a Comment