The Touch

Last week's news . . . he touched her!

Prince William, Kate, and LeBron

That's right. Le Bron James, star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, met Prince William and his wife Kate last week when they attended his NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets, and . . . he touched her! In a typically American gesture of friendliness and familiarity, LeBron put his arm around the shoulder of the future queen of England.

The result was a collective gasp from the British media, a gasp heard round the world. "British media has its knickers in a bunch," said the Mercury News Network. How dare LeBron presume to touch the nation's treasure!

"According to protocol in Britain, a commoner is not supposed to touch members of the royal family, even if it is an innocent gesture," chimed the Huffington Post. Americans have become infamous for breaching the "no touch" rule, the Post affirmed, citing a faux pas of Michelle Obama who put her arm on Queen Elizabeth II's back during a 2009 visit to Buckingham Palace.

"Invading the personal space of others is practically an American duty," wrote Tony Hicks for the Mercury News.

This week's news . . . He touched us!

In startling juxtaposition to the protocol, traditions, and expectations of the British monarchy stands the King of the universe, God, whose kingdom encompasses the British Empire and all kingdoms to the outer reaches of our galaxy and beyond, God . . . the King of all kings.

This King entered our physical realm one night in a dirty stable, in a non-descript town, in a distant part of our world. He entered the world as a baby who needed to be touched and cuddled. He entered our space because He wanted us to touch the one true and living God.

No protocol about keeping a safe distance from the Holy of Holies. No concerns about maintaining a respectful distance.The "no touch" rule of the world's monarchies did not exist for God. His goal was to be up close and personal with His created people. To touch and be touched.

This week we celebrate His birth, His stepping into touchableness, His accessibility. "Come close," He whispered.


News for the weeks to come . . .

God in human form, Jesus, took the ultimate step in closing the space between us. He sacrificed Himself on a cross, and with that one act He provided the forgiveness that would forever eliminate the gap between the Creator God and His creation. Accepting His sacrifice drew us into Him . . . no separation. The unfathomable, untouchable God became Christ IN us. Distance forever dispersed.

He became Emmanuel, God with us, God in us. God forever walking in touchable nearness.

Whatever the weeks of 2015 may hold, know that God longs to put His arm on your shoulder or pat you on the back or comfort you in your pain or direct you in your indecision or lift you in your depression . . . His royalty does not preclude His love.

SEEK TO TOUCH GOD. BLESSED CHRISTMAS.

Michelangelo's depiction of God, reaching out to touch . . . us.