“Immanuel!”(Zec.2:10-13)[22/12/2024].
Coming from one of the renowned paramount fondoms of the Grass field (Graffi) regions of our motherland, I know what respect, humility, decency, and decorum means before the throne.
This begins right from the gate. If you are not wearing a cover shoe, you must remove it before crossing the threshold of the palace entrance. Once inside the palace, one has to greet with the traditional handclapping; and this is done with reverence. It doesn’t matter whether the Fon is present or not.
This kind of reverence has been transposed to divine institutions.
This is the kind of high regard that we place on human and divine institutions; how much more should we honor divine presence!
The prophet says, “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him”(Hab.2:20). In the same sense, Zechariah says, “Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Maybe our oftentimes disregard and disrespect for the Divine presence is because we do not see him.
God had fulfilled in Christ his prophecy that, “I am coming, and I will live among you…and you will be my people.”*
In honor of his Divine Majestic presence, let us “shout and be glad” that the LORD God has made his dwelling among us. To this end, we are called upon to “rejoice in the LORD always…”(Phi.4:4ff).
Dear friend, it is the fourth and last Sunday in Advent, and in a few days is the feast celebrating the incarnation that marked the beginning of divine presence. May we prepare our hearts and minds to receive Immanuel with joy and reverence.
Sunday prayer: Heavenly Father, may you help us to celebrate your divine presence with great rejoicing, with the totality of our being. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you! Merry Christmas!
Rev Babila Fochang.
(PS: We apologise for the mixup of dates in yesterday’s meditation).