Listen!

by Peggy Still

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me.” – Revelation 3:20

While Christmas shopping this past weekend I heard the words of the familiar Christmas song, “Do you hear what I hear?” The thought occurred to me that the Advent season is a time of listening, as well as a lesson in waiting.

The scripture from Revelation may seem to you an odd choice of scripture for Christmas. But think about this; Christ is waiting for us to open the door and respond to him just as the wise men, shepherds and even his own parents listened, opened the door of possibility, and finally responded each in their own way.

The Christ Child comes to us each day in the form of the homeless, the incapacitated, the abused. He confronts us in every person we meet. Through them He is waiting for us to listen, open the door and make room for Him.

Mary listened to the angel, opened her servants heart and accepted God’s challenge.

Joseph listened to Gabriel, searched his heart and accepted God’s command.

The Shepherds heard the heavenly hosts, rejoiced in their hearts and followed the star.

The Magi heard and received with open hearts the message of the new coming King and obeyed.

Imagine how different the world would be had they all not been listening. Have you heard the great news? Are you following with an open heart? Have you accepted the Christ of whom we speak? The message of Advent is of listening, waiting and welcoming.

Listen for the call of salvation:
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; all authority rests upon his shoulders; and his name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
– Isaiah 9:6

Peggy Still: Peggy currently serves as the Director of Administrative and Client Services for The Fuller Foundation in Pasadena, California. Peggy is a featured speaker in a variety of areas for women including finance, social issues and leadership. She also serves as a consultant to churches and other non-profit organizations in the areas of administration and fund-raising. Married to Mark for 33 years they have one daughter and raised two foster children. Peggy and Mark make their home in Southern California.