PRAYER AND POLITICS

As our oldest daughter is discovering the Christmas story for the first time, I find myself re-discovering it at the same time. And this year what strikes me is how God revealed Himself in different ways to different people.

 

To the legendary three wise men, He revealed Himself through a star. Stars were their domain – their special area of expertise. Through excelling in their profession, they were led to something divine. Their God-planned treasure hunt led them first to seek out the meaning of the star and then to seek the location of the Great King.

 

God loves to appear to us wherever we are and use the language we understand, whether science or shepherding. He also met the shepherds literally in their field of expertise!

 

God sent the angels to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds as directly as possible. No signs, no mystery: it was a question of simple and powerful revelation. Most of us cannot boast of ever having had a revelation as strong as the shepherds did that glorious night.

 

Yet we too have found our way to the stable – whether following a star-like sign sent for us or by following direct revelation. God has met also with us and led us to Him!

 

May we be open to His manner of meeting with us this Christmas in a special way – whether it be in the middle of our work or in our quiet times of reflection. May our eyes be open to signs and revelation.

 

Elina Placentino

December 12, 2013