December 25 - Glimpses into God's
love
Contributed by
Shirley¾H.¾Showalter,¾president¾of¾Goshen¾College on Thursday December 25
Devotion
There are two places where I have
recently asked, "Is what I feel today a tiny fraction of what is
in God's heart?" The first was in Reith Recital Hall with students of
Goshen College as we lifted our glad voices together in worship, praise
and celebration. On Dec. 7, the last Sunday of the semester, God's heart
broke open over us in Morning Song as we sang Advent and Christmas carols.
The rejoicing with trumpets, castanets, guitars, string quartets, flute,
piano, drums moved our bodies and softened our eyes and voices. That same
evening the program "What Sweeter Music" again brought the promise
of Advent to fruition and the Spirit of Christmas into incarnation.
But there truly is no place
like home for glimpses into God's love. I write these words in anticipation
that Stuart and I will gaze across the room at our son, daughter-in-law
and daughter on Christmas morning. If 34 years of marriage has brought
us this much joy, how much greater must be the infinite love of God? We
will read the Christmas story the same way the five Hershey children read
it in an old Pennsylvania farm house years ago. We will ponder the story
once more -- in our hearts.
Saint Benedict spoke of our longing for the "inexpressible delight
of love." May you experience in your heart this Christmas day the
full flowering of delight -- the joy only God can give.
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