The Season of Outside In

December 16, 2009

We began by anticipating a season. On Christmas Eve, many people anticipate. Some anticipate the arrival of Santa. Some anticipate the arrival of a Savior. But in any case, there is a trace of excitement in the air that says something or Someone wonderful is about to arrive.

Gifts are wrapped. Stores are closed. Communion services are taking place. Those who have become weary shoppers, do gooders, partiers, are gearing down. For some the feeling is "we're almost done with this thing ... we survived another season." For some, the feeling is a little burst of fairy tale magic. Somewhere tonight the cookies left for Santa will be eaten ... and somewhere gifts will appear.

Will the little Lord Jesus come to life in our living rooms? He could reveal Himself that way ... in fact, He has been alive since the beginning of Time. The question is ... just where is He tonight?

He calls us to remember that not all are in the warmth of the Inn. There are homeless people who are outside in the cold right now. There are children who are feeling the pain of hunger. There are people who are not watching the splendor of fireworks, but are hearing something all too real ... the sounds of war. There are people who feel left out of the celebration ... true outsiders.

Why was Jesus born outside ... because He wanted us all to know that under the great expanse of God's Sky, we can be inside together in His Love. Kings and shepherds worshipped together. Humans and all God's creatures were close. Indeed, heaven and earth were joined that night. What appeared to be out was in! Everyone was an outsider, and yet no one was an outsider.

As another season winds down, having been wowed by a momentary glimpse at wonder, will we go back inside and leave those standing outside in the cold? Will we go back to the way we always thought it was and have another year just like last year, lulled by the comfort of the sameness and missing the still small Voice, calling, "I make all things new"?

Linger a while longer. Like Mary, ponder the treasures. Nose right up to the manger and hear the angel's song. You may discover that they were not only singing for the new born King ... but right now they are singing for the new born you!