The Fifth Day of Advent, 2016

Thursday, December 1, 2016
by Patience Nave

Do homage to the Son . . . .  How blessed are all who take refuge in Him.  Psalm 2:12  

This Psalm is a good example of new faith. We approach the manger with awe and respect, recognizing that we only understand a small portion of what it means, but knowing God has done something wonderful. We even lower our voices, as if to speak too loudly would wake the Babe whose birthday we celebrate. And that’s good. Psalm 2 says to do just that – do homage or reverence the Son.

But the same Psalm – actually the same verse – encourages me to take refuge in Him. Suddenly David’s Psalm doesn’t refer to the infant Jesus but to the adult Savior.

I can’t take refuge in a baby, even when that baby is Jesus. Refuge has to be in one who is big enough to offer it. So, even at Christmas, I have to move beyond the cradle – to the mature Christ who walked and talked with His friends – to the cross of this baby-become-a-man. The baby is precious, but it’s the crucified and risen Lord who is my refuge!

The Baby Jesus was the wonderful beginning of what God was doing. But it is the mature Savior who understands me, so I can with confidence take refuge in Him.

Father, don’t allow me to stay at the manger enjoying the Baby Jesus. Take me beyond to the cross that overshadows this baby’s cradle. Amen.

And Then It Was Christmas: A Journey Toward Christmas
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, 2006,
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator.