Read Luke 13:10-17
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
-Revelation 3:20 (KJV)
HERE in South Africa, we celebrate Christmas in the sunshine of midsummer, often at the beach. But there must be something more significant to ponder at this time than the difference between building sand castles on the beach and snow people on the lawn, as some in the northern hemisphere might do.
Perhaps the story of the bent-over woman can help. Despite her ailment, she still thought it important to go to a synagogue to worship God. Jesus, as always, did not miss the opportunity to show the love and power of God. He called her forward and placed his healing hands on her body and her life. Then came the problem. The leader of the synagogue protested that Jesus had broken the law. What can we learn from this story at Christmas?
We learn that for Jesus the situation had not changed much since his birth. There was still no room for him - no room in the hearts of the leaders to acknowledge that a miracle had happened. And if we are not careful, the clutter of Christmas can leave no room for the miracle of the birth of Jesus in our hearts. Do we find there open doors of welcome or no room? We face that choice every Christmas, no matter where and how we celebrate.
by Gavin Leverton (Western Cape, South Africa)
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