Welcomed at the Manger

Do you ever have those days when you walk into church on Sunday morning and you are just not sure why you are there?

Or more accurately…You know All the many reasons you are there, but you aren’t quite sure why anyone let you in?

It can either be a moment of deep shame and guilt, or a moment of immense gratitude.  To enter into worship with fellow believers when we could never be righteous enough to earn that spot. 

I clearly  remember the day our first niece was born.  I remember being in one of the first groups of people to be allowed into the room after she was born.  You could never accurately describe what an honor those moments are. Getting to share in the those first few moments of life is a precious gift. To meet this much anticipated little one as she enters the world.  Knowing what a miracle it was that she was even here, and knowing what an impact she would have on her family in the lifetime to come. I could do nothing but just stand back and watch.  

The wonder and awe of welcoming your own child into the world is a very different and significant feeling.  But to be allowed to witness it for someone else is special. To be included in such a sacred moment will bring you to tears.

And as I stood in service this morning singing of the Christ being born in a stable, I felt the wonder all over again.

Because if I had been there with the shepherds, I would have been invited into that moment with open arms.  I would have been welcomed to look upon the baby King. Though I was no one and had nothing to offer, I would have been allowed to enter in with warmth and belonging. 

The Messiah, God and man, would have allowed me to embrace him like family.  Not as an enemy, or even an unworthy stranger. I would have been welcomed into that moment as friend. 

What a privilege!  How you can you not pour out honor and worship to a God that would not have turned you away at His most vulnerable moment.  Who still welcomes you into His presence as son and daughter. With no pretense of worthiness. But embraced in welcome.  

And with that prompting I am able to quiet that voice every Sunday that says I am better off at home.  

The God of the universe invites me into fellowship every Sunday.  Not because I cannot worship Him at home. But because I have no need to hide.  He calls me righteous and worthy by His grace alone. And invites me into fellowship with the Saints to stand shoulder to shoulder and give praise to the Most High.