Devotional 12-15-10

Identity Crisis

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

“Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!” Romans 1: 5-6

Who are you? Yes, You, the reader…who are you? I know some of you, but not nearly everyone who reads our devotions. How do people know you? Are you known for your famous hot chili? Or maybe, you are known for that wonderful smile? Would others remember that you are a good listener or perhaps you are best known for your work-ethic? You play many roles, so you might be known as a good daughter, son, brother, sister, wife, husband, mother, father, etc. But really, who are you on the inside of your heart and soul where only God can see?

In the scriptures outlined for this week, Paul relates to the church in Rome that Jesus descended from auspicious ancestors. Matthew names them all, but Paul only calls out the name of David. Jesus is rooted in history, he had a family tree and was a son and brother, friend and teacher. He would have been an imposing figure in history had those been his only roles. But he was and will always be the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He gave his life for our sins and then was raised from the dead to become our everlasting Savior. This sounds like the ultimate gift. It was and still is! Hallelujah!! But it was a gift wrapped in the soft gentleness of a baby. How can we resist the urge to reach for the baby with arms outstretched, ready to protect and encompass the child with love?

Paul declares that we are who we are because of the gift of this special baby. We have been called to accept the gift. We are not just given a gift, like a present of something material, but called to become part of the gift. We are called to be a part of the fellowship of Christians who share the gift of a relationship with Jesus Christ with others. Are you ready to accept this gift? Are you up to the challenge of passing the gift on to others? Will you be known now as a Christian? Will others know you as one who lives for Christ and lets the light of Christ shine through their actions and words? In this time of Advent, can you present yourself for a closer examination? Can you open your heart for an early “spring” cleaning so that the Babe of Christmas can arrive with a guaranteed place to lay His head?

I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

~~Kathleen Thomerson

Dear Jesus, Baby of Light, shine down on us so that we might clearly see your face and feel your presence in our lives. Fill our hearts with a light that dispels the darkness of the world. Continue to CALL us to receive the gift of your life and then to live out the calling by sharing your love with others. May we always know that we are yours and that our identity is forever linked to the baby in the manger. May we use these days to truly prepare for your coming and walk with you as children of the light. Amen.

Chyrl Budd