Are you ready? Seems that just yesterday or maybe the day before we were initiating another Advent season. Suddenly we are ready to open the door on the Christmas season. What has become so important is the giving and receiving. If you received a gift from a friend, not necessarily a very close friend, but one who did not receive a gift from you, do you run out to the nearest mall or take that extra unused gift or even a regift to prepare a gift for this friend? I suspect many people today would be at the mall!
In the first reading from 2 Samuel we have a similar situation. David has been gifted by Yahweh in many ways. After he has built his own home, he has feelings that he should build something for the "ark of God." God speaks to David through Nathan reminding him that he has always been there for David. Yahweh does not need David to try and equal or match the divine assistance. What is clear is this: Yahweh wants of David a personal relationship. He wants David to open his heart so that God can continue the work he has begun in him. Advancement with God is not something that can be bought.
As we make final preparations for another celebration of Christmas, let us not worry about what I give back to God for his goodness to me in my life. Rather, let me make the effort to open my heart in a deeper way when you have some time with the Christ Child on Christmas day. That is the gift that God wants from all of us.
Let us open our hearts and give birth to a renewed love for and following of Jesus ... trying to see, as best as we can, where God is calling us for the year 2008.
Merry Christmas. God bless you.
