Have You Heard?

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV). What have you heard and seen this Christmas? Herod heard a threat to his position and power. It’s easy for us to say that had we been there at Bethlehem that night we would have seen. We would have understood. We would have known it was the Christ child. Would we? I have begun to examine my own life a bit. Mary and I have been incredibly blessed in our years together. I wonder though, do I really see and hear the things around me. If not, then perhaps I would have missed that first Christmas as well. I think it would wise for us to ask ourselves some questions about some of the sights and sounds of this Christmas. When we watch the news do we see chaos and strife, shocked at the incredible cruelty of the evil in our world, or do we see beyond that to the sheep without a shepherd. When we venture to the malls and department stores to do our shopping, do we see only crowded walkways and aisles, or do we notice the worried expressions on some of the faces of those multitudes of people. Perhaps they are facing this Christmas without employment or enough money and they don't know how they are going to make ends meet. Perhaps there are some who are gazing in the toy stores or children’s stores and wondering what life might have been like had they had a child, or if their child had survived some tragic illness. Perhaps they are looking back at us, and wistfully thinking how their lives might have been better if they had not suffered the rejection and failures in their lives. Do we hear only the music and carols, or do we also notice the silent sighs of the lonely and the bereaved who may be dreading Christmas because it accentuates their loneliness. I’m afraid I am guilty of seeing and hearing things that affect me. What I often see and hear is not dependent upon the event but upon me. Perhaps you are that way also. If you did in fact hear the cry from the lonely, the laughter of poor children, if you saw the sheep without a shepherd, then, and only then, might you have noticed the events that took place in Bethlehem that night. If you lacked that spiritual seeing and hearing then you probably would have been with the 99% who were present but who saw or heard nothing out of the ordinary. I pray we are more sensitive than ever this year to hear and see beyond our desires and needs. Look into the eyes of those around you and see the longing for peace on earth; hear the sadness underlying their voices as they dream of good will toward men.