The large choir, filling the platform, just finished singing. The presence of God was strong.

A young man from the congregation spontaneously stood. He began slowly, looking up from his open Bible at the host of people around him.

“I’m glad we all have the opportunity to know Jesus.”

Gathering his thoughts he continued.

“Jesus came for the wisemen and the shepherds; for the rich, the middle class, the poor.”

“The poor didn’t seek Him for what they could receive from Him. The middle class didn’t seek Him for social status,” the concept was becoming concrete and he became bold.

“The wisemen didn’t come to Jesus because He was a pretty baby, or because He had a pretty mama or daddy.

“They came to Jesus because He is the Son of God!”

The tune of, What Child is This, startled me from my dream. I fumbled for my cell phone to turn off the alarm.

But the words of the preacher still rang in my ears.

Why do we seek Jesus?

Religious status?

Pressing needs?

May it be for Who He is, not what He can do for us.

What is our motivation to celebrate His birth?

Nostalgia of the season?

Awe of the holy family?

May it be and remain, because He deserves – is worthy - of our worship.

From Becoming Lydia: Have a joyous, Christ-seeking Christmas.