Touch the World

Ethan and I were talking earlier this week about our crazy schedules, and it occurred to me just how close we are to Christmas! Admittedly, in this season where there is more to do than can possibly be done, it feels like it can fly by and drag on simultaneously. 

This season, though, is so much more important than a month-long party, because this is the time when we celebrate God busting through the veil of history so we can get a glimpse of eternity. In Jesus, God touched our broken world with a tiny infant hand that would one day bear the scars for our transgressions. In Max Lucado's daily devotion for today, he touched on this concept. Check out what he wrote:

"Where will God go to touch the world? What a great thought and an even better question! It’s that time of year when we hear about the virgin birth. And yet it’s much, much more than a Christmas story.  It is a story of how close Christ will come to you!

"The first stop on his itinerary was a womb. Where will God go to touch the world? Look deep within Mary for an answer. Better still—look deep within yourself.  Christ in you, the hope of glory! Christ grew in Mary until he had to come out. Christ will grow in you until the same occurs.  He will come out in your speech, in your actions, and in your decisions. Every place you live will be a Bethlehem. And every day you live will be a Christmas. Deliver Christ into the world!"

Each of us has a responsibility to bear the love of God to this broken world. And since this is the prime time for sharing that with people who have yet to fully embrace God's love for them, I hope you will make every opportunity to share heaven's touch with with others. Invite someone to worship or one of the special events at the church. Send cards and goodies to those who are alone, ill, or grieving. Reach out to estranged friends or family. Volunteer. Be inventive in hospitality, and creative in showing others how precious they are. 

And remember the words of scripture that instruct us to do all that we do as though we're doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).