WF Pride

Recognition and Respect of Others

Chad Cottingham

For the second year in a row, a local church in our town has put on an interactive journey and nativity scene for Christmas. The ‘Bethlehem Journey’ as it’s called, takes people on a literal journey to Bethlehem – complete with a camel, donkeys, sheep, chickens, marketplace and Roman guards. It takes an army of volunteers to make the experience become a reality. The forty-five minute journey culminates at the nativity scene. Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus are surrounded by shepherds, a donkey and ultimately an angel looking down from heaven in full splendor. It’s such a powerful atmosphere and setting. You can’t help but feel in awe for what you are looking at. People exited with a rekindled respect in remembering the birth of Jesus so many years ago.

But it has to be more than one night, more than just a nativity scene. We need to recognize and respect God’s power and presence throughout the year. Giving God your respect means to realize and acknowledge who he is. He is the creator of all things! In order for us to glorify God in all that we do, we must make him our priority. Because many things pull on our attention and time, we need to focus on whom and what we are going to serve. He is sovereign, Lord of all. He is holy. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is mighty, powerful, all knowing, loving, merciful, just, and full of grace.

Deuteronomy 6:13 – Respect the Lord your God and serve only him.

“Dear Lord, help us make you our one and only priority in life. Help us not get distracted with other things that take us away from you. Thank you for sending your one and only son, Jesus, to be born as a baby some many years ago. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen”