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July 13th, 2016

7/13/2016

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Ben Moments Continue...God at Home in Us
Companions in Contemplation, Ben Campbell Johnson, 2009

“We will come into her (him) and make our home in her (him).”
John 4:17
 
How utterly amazing that God in Christ, like a robin nesting in a tree, would be pleased to make a home in me. The Advent hymn proclaims this truth – “Pleased as man with men to dwell, O come, O come Emmanuel.” God builds and furnishes a home in humans much like the bird builds a nest -- one stick at a time, one twig at a time, one feather at a time.

God’s persistent coming into us extends  beyond  a  casual  visit. The dwelling place of God must be more than a beach house visited occasionally to escape the summer heat. To house God in us not only means that God is intentional and regular, but diligent, and unrelenting too. No longer a guest, God in Christ becomes a permanent resident. Even before God takes up full-time residence in us, God dwells within us while the nesting place is being   constructed.

Sometimes, in sacred moments I get fleeting glimpses of the effect   of the Presence within –  like a sudden realization that all the people  on the escalator and I are of the same family; like I am part of the rays of the sun and the growth of the tree; or the perception of an invisible hand reaching out in the silence and drawing me into a new level of union with my permanent  Guest!

Can I learn to be at home in God as God is at home in me?

Never become weary welcoming your guest.

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