Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. … But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [John 4:21,23-24 (NLT)]
Christmas night we drove through a nearby neighborhood, famed for its holiday display of lights and decorations. A steady stream of cars and golf carts slowly drove through the streets, admiring the over-the-top displays of candy canes, Santa, elves, snowmen, illuminated trees, reindeer, and sleighs. The sounds of holiday songs came from several loudspeakers, cheerful neighbors gathered around outdoor fire-pits roasting marshmallows, and homeowners waved at passersby while shouting holiday greetings. Amidst this wonderland of festive holiday decorations, we noticed a home with a lovely nativity display. What caught my eye, however, was the make-shift altar set up in their side yard. Illuminated only by two candles, a simple cross and a communion set lay on the altar. Family and friends were gathered together in worship, commemorating our Lord’s birth by celebrating in His last supper.
How clearly this scene points out that we are in God’s house and able to worship Him no matter what the setting: even with the strains of “Jingle Bells” heard in the background and surrounded by inflated Santas, snowmen and an endless line of cars. I’ve attended church services at elaborate European cathedrals, simple rural chapels, ski lodges, inner city storefronts, parks, and the beach. I’ve joined worship in living, dorm and hospital rooms, gyms, drive-ins, suburban mega-churches, and even an indoor skate-board park. I’ve sat on sofas, centuries old pews, folding chairs, picnic benches, and cushy auditorium seats. God was present every time. Where we worship is of no matter; that we worship is! Every place is sacred because God is truly everywhere.
Devotions of the Heart 