Where Could You Build a House for Me?

Psst...you can't.

So sorry this didn’t go out earlier today!

Isaiah 66:1-2 | John 4:21-24
Reading through Isaiah during Advent: Isaiah 64-66

As Christmas Eve approaches tomorrow, the last chapter of Isaiah reminds us of God’s true intent and desire for humanity. Even as we gather in church buildings, dressed in our best, and reminisce by staring at nativity scenes & creches, let Isaiah’s word - which is consistent throughout scripture and Jesus’ teachings themselves - that God isn’t too worried about our lofty and stately buildings or statues.

God has always and ever wanted people to worship him with spirit and meaning. Stained glass, statues, even cute little baby Jesuses - they may be helpful visual reminders, but they are not it. (And actually, all of these things and many others can be unhelpful as well.)

Maybe this is where “Christmas spirit” might actually be an okay and useful thing to think about. It’s not about the trees or gifts or lights in and of themselves, but only if and when they point to humility, sacrifice, and love.

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Isaiah 66:1-2

The Lord says:
Heaven is my throne,
    and earth is my footstool.
So where could you build a house for me,
    and where could my resting place be?
My hand made all these things
    and brought them into being, says the Lord.
But here is where I will look:
    to the humble and contrite in spirit,
    who tremble at my word.

John 4:21-24

Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you and your people will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You and your people worship what you don’t know; we worship what we know because salvation is from the Jews. But the time is coming—and is here!—when true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth. The Father looks for those who worship him this way. God is spirit, and it is necessary to worship God in spirit and truth.”

Prayer

God,

Don’t let me miss you in this season. I’m up to my ears in plans, wrapping paper, concerts, shopping, and the like. It can all be overwhelming.

So remind me of the simplicity of a baby being born. Don’t let me miss it.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.