As I write, I feel a tad swamped from many commitments, and that’s without any extra bits and bobs which Christmastime will soon add to the schedule!
Maybe some of you can relate. The arrival of December 1st has hit the panic button. Or perhaps for some readers it accentuates sorrow for loved ones no longer with us; or rising trepidation about potential costs of celebrations. Even if you’re able to make extra space to reflect on God’s gift of Jesus, I trust that dwelling with and therefore, responding to this verse, will enrich your season.
The passage narrates part of the Advent story concerning wise, knowledgeable, wealthy men from the east. Their status suggests they had full schedules to attend to, but recognising the awesome significance of the star they chose to make time for a lengthy journey so they might find and worship the newborn king of the Jews (verse 2).
And when they found him, they ‘pressed pause’ –
they bowed in worship, and presented significant gifts.
Adopting a daily rhythm of ‘pressing pause’ to focus on Jesus, resets a godly perspective on whatever we’re dealing with.
Whether we close our eyes for a few moments, lock ourselves in the loo for five minutes, light a candle and sink into a familiar chair or take a walk outside for half an hour, the men from the east inspire their wise response into our own schedules.
May I suggest you write the verse out somewhere you will keep seeing it through the day? This prompts a regular ‘pause’ to be mindful of God’s presence with you in daily routines and responsibilities.
– Perhaps it will prompt a song of praise and adoration.
– Perhaps it will prompt some kind of surrender.
– Perhaps it will prompt silent adoration.
– Perhaps it will prompt conviction to yield to God’s ways of love, forgiveness, humility…etc
– Perhaps it will prompt a need to trust God.
– Perhaps it will prompt the stilling of racing thoughts to focus only on Jesus.
The one thing it will do, is enrich your soul with His presence – with His love, peace, comfort, guidance and whatever else you need in that moment.
Even now, as you feel excitement or concern for the coming weeks, might you pause what you’re doing for a few moments, gaze on Jesus, and worship?