Advent Reflections, 2007
Wednesday, December 19 – Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:49-72; Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 4:1-8; Matthew 24:45-51
OK…I read through all of today’s texts and struggled to come up with much. What caught my eye, at least enough to make it the focus of today’s post, was the last verse of today’s passage from the Psalms:
The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold (72).
I still have more Christmas shopping to do which means more money to spend. I’m sure there’s already been enough purchased but two things happen:
1) I think of one or more persons for whom I still want to get gifts, and;
2) I think of more gifts I want to give to the girls.
It’s hard to stop spending – even when I can’t afford it. I love Christmas. I love having presents under the tree. I love surprising the girls with things (both big and small) that I know they’ll enjoy. I also love surprising them with the things they’ve asked for. And I love getting things for others I love.
Is God’s Word more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold? Do I treasure God’s law and Scripture more than the gifts I’ve already purchased and those I’m yet to buy? Does God’s voice matter more to me than the commercial, gift-giving aspect of Christmas? Yes…and no.
I’d be lying if I only said “yes.” Of course: God and God’s Word matters more to me. And yet, my actions, my choices, my spending might say something different. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who finds this to be true.
Ultimately, I do want God’s law, God’s Word to be the most precious thing I know, have, and desire. And truly, on some level, it already is. The truth and beauty of God’s voice and presence abides with me, surrounds me, impacts me, shapes me as I buy gifts, as I pay bills, as I long for just a few more pieces of silver and gold. It’s not either/or – loving God or loving money – at least not for me. It’s both.
Isn’t that gracious of God? The reality that God’s Word endures and lives and comes, in the flesh, in Jesus, no matter what, is important for me to remember. It’s grace, really. Emmanuel, God-with-us, just is…right alongside the presents, the decorations, the carols, even the bills. I don’t know about you, but that makes me love God’s law, God’s Word, God, even more.
This year, as I finish up my shopping, my wrapping, my baking, I’m grateful for a God-with-me that is no less present, no less powerful, no less loving, no less kind, no less miraculous, no less powerful because of me or my actions.
This isn’t a free pass to spend more; but it is a beautiful gift – more precious than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. It’s Emmanuel, God-with-us, no matter what.
