Scripture:
“ Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink- even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk- it’s all free!
Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You enjoy the finest food.
Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Isaiah Chapter 55 Verses 1-2, 5 New Living Translation (NLT)
Reflection:
This month’s scripture is taken from the old testament of the bible and was written by Isaiah. Isaiah was a special representative and spokesperson for God who would challenge leaders and the people over God’s promises and laws. Isaiah kept it all the way real and was not afraid to speak out. I really do admire Isaiah he foretold things and the verses chosen are really relevant to this time of the year.
So we have reached December a busy time of the year, the supermarkets are full of shoppers looking to purchase a large assortment of food, drinks and hunting for a bargain. “Buy one get on free” is the slogan we read whilst walking down the high street or shopping online. Consumers are searching for a gift and in their eyes that ultimate gift.
Office staff will all be gathering in bars and restaurants for their “ annual Christmas parties” where food and drink will be consumed. We spend a lot of money in preparation and anticipation for family and friends that we have invited over for Christmas.
Dear reader, please don’t think that I am against families, friends and work colleagues spending time together, eating, drinking and exchanging gifts. I am merely posing this question have we become preoccupied over stuff? which is temporary and also become overindulgent in food and drink during this period? Supermarkets seduce us, into believing we are getting something for free but there is always a cost.
Food and drink are important to maintain our bodies but it is not free and will run out!!!. If on Christmas day you discover you are without the vital ingredient for your Christmas lunch, would you leave your house in search of a corner shop, which may be open and purchase the missing ingredient? Would our happiness extend to an invitation to the shopkeeper who rescued us?
I wonder whether we would seek out someone who could provide us with refreshment and nourishment which feeds your soul. They are available all year round and their supplies never need restocking. Their shelves consist of hope, protection, comfort, peace and light!!!!. Without us receiving nourishment for our souls we can starve spiritually.
Christmas is the time of year where the true gift to the world the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. The birth of a child born as a sacrifice coming into this world providing hope and light. I for one celebrate this amazing gift to the world.
As we prepare to receive and exchange gifts, consume food and drink let us stop and reflect on who is available to us at all times and let us take this opportunity to extend our invitation and consume some food and drink to our souls which is longlasting and never-ending. He is nearby!
Prayer:
Father God, We give you thanks and honour for being with us and helping us reach the last month of this year.
Lord teach us not lose sight of the true gift which you brought into the world that of the Messiah, the light of the world, Immanuel and we celebrate this.
Help us to stop and recognise the true magnitude of the birth of Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for us all.
Challenge us all father during this of Christ-mas that the true meaning of this season is not lost on us all father.
We all may be purchasing food, drink and gifts for those we will be inviting into our homes. Help us not become so consumed in food and drink which we may acquire lots of but will ultimately not last.
Open our hearts to receive long-lasting food for our souls. Help us to think about you to father. Touch us, move us into inviting you into our lives as we celebrate the birth of ultimate gift.
Protect us all I ask this in the name of Jesus Amen.