Theme: Someone to Love.
I like being alone. Once I took a two day prayer retreat into the upper corn field of my dad's slaughter house property (my dad was a butcher, not an axe murderer if you are wondering). I was looking forward to getting away from everyone and being with God. It was me, my Bible, and a tent. It was nice for awhile, until I saw the green glowing eyes about 50 yards away. That freaked me out. What freaked me out more was when they disappeared. I was hoping the green glowing eyes were not headed my way. Hours went by and the stars came out. Brilliant stars, the same stars Abraham looked upon thousands of years ago. But they couldn't hold an interesting conversation or hold me (it was getting cold). So I read my Bible, prayed, but God seemed to be silent. This wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting God to show up in some amazing way. After a few more logs were thrown on the fire, late into the night, I don't know exactly when because I didn't bring a phone, I got the message from God. It was completely ironic, made me laugh out loud, but here it was... "Dan, you came out here to be alone and I am glad you wanted to spend time with me, but listen, you were not made to be alone."
In the beginning book, Genesis, God looked down on Adam and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" Genesis 2:18 (NIV). God gave Adam someone to love. God took me out to that corn field to remind me of something, I was made to love and be loved. I wasn't made to sit in a corn field hoping for some grand God display. And like me, we often miss it. Right in front of our noses are the grand displays of God - our spouses, kids, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, and even adversaries.
And I can't help but think as I reflect on the story of Mary and Joseph, that when Jesus was born in that lonely manger, a profound love filled that place. Mary loved Joseph, Joseph loved Mary, and they both loved Jesus. And Jesus would love them. Like I said, I like being alone, but it's not too long before I get lonely. So, "Who needs Christmas?" We all do because we all need someone to love.
Scripture: Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone..."
Prayer: Someone to Love.
“Heavenly Father, life is empty without the people in my life you have given me to love. I often overlook them, take them for granted, and am just too consumed in myself to love them the way they should be loved. And because of that, I often feel very empty inside. But God, you have a better plan for me. You made me to love. It's hard in these times of isolation and quarantine to love people. It has made it especially challenging. But show me how to love people in new ways. I want to love you and others because I know this is what is most important in life. May this Christmas Season be a time of renewed love for my family, friends, and even adversaries. In Jesus' Name, Amen."