Recently a young man filled out an application form for admission to college.  One of the questions read: What are your personal strengths?  The young man wrote, 'Sometimes I'm trustworthy, loyal, cooperative, and kind."  Then the form said: List your weaknesses.  He wrote, 'Sometimes I'm not trustworthy, loyal, cooperative or kind.'  We can all relate to that, can't we?  And that's why we approach the manger of Christmas in the spirit of humility.

I am told there is a small church in the city of Bethlehem that marks the birthplace of Jesus.  Behind the altar in the church is a small cave lit by silver lamps.  You can enter the quiet cave where a star is embedded in the floor to mark the spot where the manger was on that first Christmas night.  You can come to that sacred spot.  There is one stipulation, however.  You have to stoop to go in.  The door is so low that you can't go in standing up.  Now, there's a sermon in there somewhere, and I think it is this; You may be able to see the world standing tall and proud, but to witness the Savior you have to lower yourself and come in humility.  "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us."  (Isaiah 9:6).  In this new year of 2010, remember... God loves you.  God loves you.  God loves you.

Prayer:  Awesome God, we come before you today in the spirit of humility, amazed by your love and grace.  Thank you for the gift of the Christ child and for the forgiveness and salvation he brings.  Comfort those who are ill, those who grieve, those who are caregivers for others.  Cast a net of divine safety around our children and grandchildren.  Ease the burdens of the elderly.  Give leadership to our President and his Cabinet, and the leaders of the world.  And let this be a day of hope and healing and discovery for each of us.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.