Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

This reminds me of the song title, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” People look for God in various ways and in various places, but often fail to look for Him in His house. Frankly, a major reason for that is that many places that purport to be God’s house are devoid of His presence. Not everyone who goes to a church is looking for God, but it is a crying shame when those who do so find nothing to indicate His presence. The physical structure has very little to do with it, but the hearts of those who regularly gather there have a major impact. If they are true worshipers, then anyone who walks in the door is likely to encounter God in some way. If they are concerned with their own comfort and/or prestige, then the probability of a visitor encountering God drops drastically. To get back to the verse, Mary and Joseph were certainly good people, but they didn’t fully understand the Boy they were raising. None of us has a complete understanding of God, so we need to be humble and open for more revelation. We have a tendency to value our religious traditions more than we value a personal relationship with God, and various groups act like that is in their vested interest. However, nothing could be further from the truth, because all our traditions are meaningless without a personal relationship with the Lord we say we worship.

I grew up in a distinct religious tradition, and I don’t think it was a bad one, but I have certainly seen it expressed in ways that were devoid of the presence of God. I have encountered God’s presence in meetings of various Christian groups, some of which I have distinct disagreements with theologically. That’s not to say that theology is unimportant, but it is to say that academics are peripheral to a personal relationship with our Lord. As a pastor, I am to strive always for Biblical form and order in this church, but I must not place form and order ahead of God’s manifest presence. I’ve got to let go of my agenda to embrace Christ. Many people who have attended our services have been aware of God’s presence, but not so many have responded in repentance and faith. Some have even run from it! I am to leave their responses in God’s hands, and simply focus on making Him welcome. As Jesus said, if He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. (John 12:32)

Father, in this busy Christmas season it is very easy to get caught up in programs and functions and forget You, and what this season is all about. Thank You for getting us through the City Christmas last night, and that You are going to get us through the week ahead. As we have little children coming this morning and ladies coming tomorrow morning, and then with a Christmas party, caroling, candle-light service, and Christmas morning worship to follow, help us be focused on and open to You, so that You may flow through us to touch everyone who comes through these doors or hears us singing, drawing them to You for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!