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Verse:On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. —Matthew 2:11, NIV
Several years ago, a young friend of ours, Mark, had been on a recent travel adventure. When I asked what time would be good to phone and hear about his experiences, his immediate response was, “I don’t want a call. I want to be present with you!” My husband and I made a dinner date with Mark at a local restaurant and had the opportunity to “be present.” We not only heard his adventure stories but also saw the sparkle in his eyes. This was a great lesson for us, though we are old enough to be Mark’s grandparents. Since the holiday season was just beginning, we decided to “be present” intentionally with friends; we visited some of them in their homes, and we met others for dinner dates in restaurants. No prep or cleanup —just being present.
We let them know how important they are to us and how much we value their friendship. This holiday season, I felt impressed to host a baby shower for a young woman who is new to our church family and couldn’t go home for Christmas because of the baby’s due date. I texted names on our list of invitees.
The response was rather discouraging as person after person couldn’t participate: test week, conflicting holiday events, and sickness.
What to do? Should I cancel the shower? No, I would invite some “mothers in Israel” to be present at this shower, even though they didn’t know this young woman. I prayed for ten. Eleven came with gifts and cookies but mainly to be present and get acquainted with the wonderful young mother-to-be! Seeing the joy and the excitement of the women bonding and encompassing this young woman brought me so much joy and happiness. It was the best “being present” I have been part of in a long time! I thought of the Christ Child and His parents, Joseph and Mary, being in poor, humble circumstances. Perhaps they were a bit lonely and felt far away from family and friends.
Then the Magi came, bringing gifts and being joyfully present! They could have sent their gifts with servants, but they came in person.
Their visit affirmed and encouraged this young family that God cared, was providing for their needs, and would always be present with them.
This holiday season, why not take the time to search for someone who needs your presence?
Bonnie R. Parker