Run to Jesus

12/25/2018

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

LUKE 2:15-2

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

4:53am.

That was the time my 4-year-old ran into my bedroom last year begging to go open her Christmas presents. 4:53am*!!!

When I was younger, I was like my daughter. I couldn’t wait to run to the tree and the stockings and see what presents Santa had left me. There is nothing like that feeling of running into your living room and seeing the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Somehow the tree always looks better on Christmas morning: decorated with ornaments, all of them seeming to be hanging on the perfect branches, the shiny Christmas lights acting as the perfect stage lighting to illuminate the presents under the tree.

I don’t remember what time I would wake up my parents but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was earlier than my daughter wakes me up. And the excitement was justifiable, I mean, I had been working on my Christmas List for Santa for 364 days** at that point.

But here’s the thing, after opening the presents under the tree, I never returned to the tree. My daughter last year never returned the tree. I wonder, do you ever return to the tree?

My guess is no.

It might seem like a silly thought, why would we return to the tree? It fulfilled its purpose. The gifts are opened and life moves on rather quickly. Returning to the tree doesn’t bring any more joy or fulfillment.

But did you notice how the Shepherds responded to their excitement on the first Christmas morning?

They ran to the stable.
Overjoyed went and told everyone they could.
And then… here’s what’s amazing and sets them apart.
“Then the shepherds returned” (Lk 2:20)

The excitement to open Christmas gifts is good. But, finding excitement in the realization that God took on flesh to dwell with us is infinitely better and something worth returning to time and time again.

Don’t let the Christmas Tree be the only thing to run today. Run to Jesus and find something worth returning to time and time again.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas Everyone!

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* Yes, 4:53am is a real time! You may have never been awake that early in the morning because you are an intelligent and rational human being.

** 365 Days if it was a Leap Year.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What are you excited about for today? How can you bring Jesus into that excitement?

When is the last time you ran to Jesus? How can you do that today?

We should return to Jesus every day. How can you do that every day this week (and beyond)?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Thank you Jesus."

"I love you Jesus."

"Happy birthday Jesus."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

It is good to return to Jesus today. But that is something we should do every day. How can you return to Jesus each day? Make this resolution now and continue it after Christmas and into 2019.

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The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's post was written by Nic Frank. Nic is a youth minister in Rockford, IL where he lives with his wife and three super cute children.

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CARPE VERBUM