In my intermittent attempt to be current, today I want to discuss activities involving tomorrow’s ceremony in Paris, the re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was almost destroyed by fire five years ago. I’ve seen several stories about the beauty of this edifice and the expense of the restoration, but I haven’t seen anything about the purpose of this building–the worship of God. TV reporters gush about the creativeness of the restorers, with nary a mention of the Creator of All Things. Does God need this cathedral, or any other church building for that matter?

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” [Acts 17:24]  

Recall what Jesus said about the Temple in Jerusalem, arguably one of the most beautiful and imposing buildings in the world at that time:

“Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.”Do you see all these things?” he asked.  “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”” [Matthew 24:1-2]

Which of course happened exactly as He predicted around 40 years later when the Romans put down a Jewish rebellion in Jerusalem.

It seems like every December I write about the way many people celebrate Christmas,with decorations, parties, presents, noise, and lights. Which is all well and good, as long as we focus on the real reason to celebrate, and to worship:

“But the angel said to them [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  [Luke 2:10-11]  

Blessings,

–Keith