Luke 2:7-15

 “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.   She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”   

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  NIV

I looked, but…

I’m not the typical female shopper.  I’m not one to linger in the malls or department stores.  I prefer to run in the store, get what I need, and leave.  One particular autumn day, as I was making my way to the register, I heard a distant familiar jingle playing in the background and grabbing my attention.  “Santa Claus is coming to town…”   Did I miss a couple of months or holidays?  Didn’t I just drive down the street taking in the beautiful autumn colors of shimmering gold, crimson, and orange leaves bursting on the trees?  I took a quick glance down the aisle before leaving the store, but…

I did not find it.

Into October, in another store, and not rushing to get out, I stopped and paused for a few moments.  I heard another familiar jingle and voice of Beryl Ives, “You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.  But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?”  I looked at the beautiful display of perfect fir trees, some flocked, and all arrayed with twinkling lights.  The snow globes contained Santa on his sleigh, Rudolf, and Frosty the Snowman.  There were numerous shelves of decorated wreaths in red and green bulbs and ribbons.  Glitter coated stockings and mistletoe hung in straight rows.  Warm candles were glowing and bells were ringing.  Not giving up, I was…

Still seeking.

Through the Thanksgiving celebration more shops displayed more decorations of miniature snow-covered houses glowing warm with lights, the holiday moose wrapped in Pendleton scarves, and overly stuffed felt snowmen adorned with corncob pipes, top hats, and eyes made of coal.  More people were shopping, standing in lines, and checking off their shopping lists.  I peered through numerous window shops, displays, and decorations seeking, but…

Still, I did not find it. 

Into December I was still wondering if I would find what I was seeking, that there seemed to be no room for.  Could this be the same seeking and wondering Joseph and Mary experienced in their search in the marketplace of Bethlehem, only to find there was no room for them in the inn?

Found, in a quiet place.

As I peered through the window of a quaint, small store, there it was, tucked away almost hidden as an afterthought for there was barely room for the manger holding the Christ Child in swaddling clothes.  I stood outside the store in the quiet surroundings and barely noticed the soft snowflakes quietly falling all around me.  The vision of the Christ Child and the solitude took me back to a childhood memory that seems so long ago.

I was just eight years old, but I still remember rising very early that Christmas morning, careful not to wake anyone.  I quietly looked at the gifts under the tree and gathered up the blue and white stuffed poodle (I knew was mine) and made my way to the window.  The room was quiet and calm as I shared the beautiful sight with my new friend.  I was hypnotized by the soft falling snowflakes arraying the ground with its white blanket.  The stillness surrounded and engulfed me as I envisioned the manger holding the Prince of Peace wrapped in God’s love and given to me and to everyone to freely receive into our hearts.

The Prince of Peace, God’s gift to mankind carefully wrapped in His promise of everlasting peace and love, everyday, for those who invite Him into their hearts.  But, every year at this time, anticipating the day set apart to celebrate my Lord’s birth, I have a renewed longing and desire to seek the Christ Child in the manger, to see and meet Him again and again.

The traditional holiday decor, symbols, and busyness in our lives during the Christmas season seem to make it harder to find the humble beginnings of the Christ Child in the manger.  But, wise men who long and desire to seek Him can still find Him.  Just like the soft falling snow, He comes quietly in calm and peace.  He softly and tenderly wraps our hearts with the blanket of His love as a free gift and blessing of Peace on Earth to those on Whom His favor rests.

Peace on Earth can be found if we seek the Reason for the Manger, by Daniel Newlun (One of my new favorite Christmas songs)

Merry Christmas!