Christ is Born!
I remember the drastic change in mood in the story “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” when Lucy has tea with Mr. Tumnus. To that point in the story she had accidentally slipped into what seemed a private magical world in an upstairs wardrobe and was being shown around by Tumus, to her mind a friendly mythical creature. All changes in an instant when Lucy wakes up after being lulled o sleep by Tumnus over tea. Tumnus had intended to deliver her over to an evil witch. He was a secret agent and the magical world was in fact a battle zone.
The disciples in today’s reading were admiring the beautiful stones which made up Herod’s Temple. Some of these stones spanned 40 feet! But these stones, this offering “to God” which were strong and beautiful were an illusion which Our Lord said would end in destruction. Herod’s self serving attempt to be recognized and escape death through remembrance pales in comparison to Christ’s Resurrection from the grave.
Here lies an important message for us brothers and sisters. We must be constantly on the lookout for the truth which underlies what we see. Appearances can be deceiving. We were placed here for a purpose and a purpose not of our choosing, and not unto our glory, but unto His glory. True Christian discipleship consists in being missionaries, not tourists.
Lord, give us eyes to see Your truth and mission and to discern anything which is not of You or for You.
Christ is Born!
