I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “near.” We would love to have you join us.
Little voices yelling and singing “Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray.” Little voices proclaiming the joy and truth of the season. Twirling sparkly dresses, boys being boys, and all trying to get the attention of those they love.
This season is captured through the wonder of children. But it’s also captured in all generations as we wander to the manger. At night, I love sitting with all my lights off…just the glow of the Christmas lights. Mangers from my collection sitting near as I am reminded of this one whose cries pierce the darkness and break open the gasp of the world. The Messiah who always promises to come near.
This time of year also brings pain as those we love are no longer with us or have already passed away. The promise is that God grieves and cries with us. God understands the pain. “For God so loved the world God gave God’s one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send God’s into the world to condemn the world but in order that they may have life through him.”—John 3:16-17.
This time is a time in the midst of all of life calls us to draw near. To sit at the manger waiting for Emmanuel to come into the world for each and everyone of us. To hear the holy cries of Christ the King. To proclaim “Glory to God in the highest on earth peace, goodwill toward all.”
Dropping by from FMF party.
Nice to meet you and read your post.
Blessings
Janis
Nice to meet you too!
John 3:17 is one of my very favorite verses. (Why didn’t we learn this part as diligently in Sunday school?!) I’m looking forward to lighting the way this season…
Too often that part of the verse is left out. But there is so much goodness in that verse.
Lovely words! Yes, this is a time to draw near- to take time to pause and remember the wonder of God drawing near to us.
Indeed!
We went to a walk through tonight. From Creation to the Resurrection. The wonder of Jesus came alive from the beginning to the end.
A collection of mangers? Have I posted a picture of the beautiful manger set my Aunt made many years ago? I’ll have to do that after we get it set up.
I don’t think you have posted a picture of that manger because I think I would remember it. Yes I collect them.
Lovely and true, Tara.
Thanks!
Beautifully expressed, Tara. When I still had the energy to put up a tree, I’d sit with it in the predawn, just enjoying the lights.
Thank You, Andrew! That is my fave way to sit at night; no lights except for the tree lights.
Amen! The lights shine even brighter in the darkness–just like the Light shines brightest in our darkness.
Amen!
Tara, I like the picture of sitting in the manger and waiting . . . with anticipation. Drawing near to the One who draws near to us. Beautiful, friend.
Thank You!