I ran into a good friend I hadn't seen in awhile. We exchanged quick hellos and arranged a time to connect for dinner. As I laid in bed that night, I realized she was going to ask me the classic “how are you?”question and mean truly, how are you, like really, how are you?! A bit of anxiety washed over me as I realized I had no idea. I imagined myself rambling on for a few minutes, saying lots of things but never really answering the question… “how am I doing?”
Although it may seem strange, Christmas is often a season of loneliness and disconnection. Amidst the hustle and bustle, slowing down and being truly present seems rare. I seem to lose touch with even the basic question of “how am I doing?”
As I reflected, recent sermons and devotions came to mind, they all seem to be harping on the idea of “presence.” Christmas is about the receiving of God’s Presence, The Immanuel, The God-with-us. What a wild reality! God with us! I remember the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth…When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, scriptures say the baby leapt for joy in her womb. Elizabeth's baby’s spirit knew the significance and the joyful celebration of the inception and coming of Jesus, the Immanuel, the God-with-us!”
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly, You’re so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed! And why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me? The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears, The babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.” Luke 1:39-45 MSG
Children are often way more tuned into celebration, joy and presence than we are. Isn’t presence all they truly want from their parents and loved ones? To be seen, known, loved and enjoyed? This same invitation to be seen, known, loved and enjoyed is what God is offering. He is offering His Presence. What greater gift could there be?
As I reflect, I seem to hear God’s Spirit inviting me…
“Slow down.
Slow down.
Make room.
Receive My Presence.
Fill yourself with My Grace and Truth.
Receive the invitation to be seen, known, loved and enjoyed.
I came to be a God with you.”
I wonder if I made room to receive His Presence and to celebrate God-with-us, how that might change the way I go about my day? Perhaps moving me from lost in the hustle and bustle, towards turning into His God-with-us-ness.”
I wonder how God’s Presence would change my presence with others? And if I made room for God’s Presence, I wonder how might that change my ability to answer the question, and perhaps even my answer to the question, “how are you doing?”
-Annika