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December 20, 2020I hope that during this Advent, like King David, we have realized that God needs a dignified place to dwell in. King David noticed this when he recollected himself; he was settled in his palace. He began to observe a noticeable difference in where he was resting and where the ark of God dwelt. Every little difference spoke of what he was giving preference that eventually, he expressed it in words: “I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
As we prepare for Christmas, to receive Christ into our hearts, we need to evaluate and recognize when we give preference to ourselves instead of God. Like King David, we cannot do it in the busyness of our daily life, so we must recollect ourselves in silence, aware of the omnipresence of God. The Lord’s Day is a perfect day for this recollection as we contextualize that we are preparing for the birth of our Savior who gave Himself on the cross and rose from the dead to free us from the bondage of sin. How have I put my interests above giving honor to You? In what ways have I put You in a tent while I constructed a house of cedar for myself?
The Lord will help us in this process if we give Him the time and our full attention. Then, we might become eager to create change! How great! Nevertheless, as we continue to fail, our Lord reminds us that we cannot do anything without Him. “Should you build me a house to dwell in?” It is the Lord who has provided for us all along; it is He who gives us the breath of life at every moment. We cannot make ourselves worthy of Him, but He can transform us and prepare our hearts to receive Him this Christmas as He prepared Mary to receive Him in her womb and her heart. She humbly answered, “May it be done to me according to your word.” She shows us the obedience of faith by inviting Him to transform her as He wished. To Him, who transforms us and gives us life be glory forever and ever. Amen.