Now through the end of December, a chance to re-examine the gifts of Advent, the arrival of a Savior, and the epiphany of Epiphany.
Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I was young when the story of Corrie Ten Boom was brought to life in The Hiding Place. Although that was several decades ago, there is one scene etched on my mind forever: the day that Corrie’s sister, Betsie, gives thanks for their flea-infested barracks at Ravensbrück. Corrie is incensed (as was I!), but Betsie points out that this “gift” keeps the guards away. God is their shelter, and they are abiding in his shadow.
Perhaps Mary felt irritated about giving birth in a barn and laying the Son of God in a manger. How could she possibly feel grateful for a feeding trough, with God knows what kind of vermin lurking? And yet…and yet…in a rude shelter off the beaten path, away from prying eyes, gossiping tongues, and jealous rulers, the shelter of the Most High casts a protective shadow. That night, the trough that usually feeds animals holds bread of life for us, a truth that is affirmed to Mary and Joseph by unexpected visitors.
We all have our mangers: places, moments, scenes, sometimes long chapters that are nothing like what we expected. My own holds memories of childhood abuse, betrayal, relational and vocational pain, and the frequent temptation to give up. But if we come to the manger with faith that God has a plan we cannot yet comprehend, we will more easily trust his shelter and shadow.
Prayer: Giver of good gifts, help me see my mangers through your eyes. Enlarge my imagination when I feel irritation rising. As I choose to dwell in your shelter, cast the long shadow of your presence over me.
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