Underwhelmed

I have the privilege of co-teaching an 8 grade girl's class at church.  These young ladies are absolutely amazing!!!  This past Sunday we talked about how the Christmas story can become so commonplace that it loses its significance.  Like many of the stories in scripture, they become so familiar that we can recite them without feeling the weight of the story itself. 

But this shouldn't be. 

Think about it.  Generations of Israelites have lived without a hearing a word from the Father.  Silence.  Deafening silence.  Many Israelites began making up rules and traditions that they thought would help them win God's favor until the promised Messiah would come.  Some just lost hope and eventually stopped believing altogether. 

However, some continued to pass the prophecies down to their children and grandchildren.  They believed their God was faithful and would fulfill His promises.  They knew that one day the story of the Messiah would no longer remain only a story.  That one day Emmanuel would become flesh and be with His people.

400 years.

Silence broken by an infant's cry. 

Silence broken by angels singing of the long awaited Messiah.

Silence broken as men and women who had lost hope began to believe.

Maybe this year your heart has been silent.  You aren't in the Christmas Spirit and the holidays seem monotonous and lackluster.  It could be that you have lost a loved one this year, or that you aren’t spending the holidays with family and friends.  Maybe this year the Christmas story has become underwhelming and commonplace in your life.  You aren't alone.  We have all been there. 

Father, overwhelm us with You and the undeserved gift of your Son.  Remind us of the hope that only you can give.  Break through the silence in our hearts and show us your glory.