Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love everything about the season- the lights, the celebrations, the proclamations of Joy and Peace everywhere. What I love most is the re-telling of the story of how Love came down from Heaven to save us all. Even the lowliest and those considered most unclean. It’s the most beautiful of all stories because this one is true. What a miracle that our perfect God embodies love and invites us to let Him transform us who fall so short into vessels of His light here on earth!
How much comfort this Truth brings, for our family has walked through several challenges in the last six months. Medical issues, an emergency surgery, more surgeries to come, and a few big life changes have all combined to press me to be careful with my confession as well as guard my thoughts- particularly when my body is in need of recharging.
Our emotions will try to rule us, especially in times of stress. Yet we are commanded to be ruled by God’s word and His Holy Spirit within us- not by our feelings or our flesh.
Galatians 5:16, in the Amplified version says:
But… walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].
The New Living Translation puts it this way: “…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
We have to go to war against the impulses of our flesh and bring our hearts and minds and mouths into agreement with the word of God!
Our emotions and our fleshly nature only have the power over us that we give them! So don’t give them any power! We are not slaves to our feelings. We are children of the Living God! We are redeemed by the blood of Jesus! The most compelling part of the Christmas story is that Jesus was born to die in our place, and when He rose again on the third day, He defeated sin and death and so we might be whole, and well, and free. Through the Holy Spirit within us we can walk in the light and not be held captive by our feelings or our flesh.
I must repeat daily:
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
In seasons of challenge, sometimes that means pressing through and allowing His spirit to equip me to do what I can’t, and sometimes it means to take advantage of the rare quiet moments and overcoming that constant drive to DO something, in order to simply find my rest in Him.
So today, after some rest and recovery, I decided to take time away from the Christmas to do list and tarry with the true Light of the World. Spending more time than usual with the One who is the reason for the season.
Amidst all the nestling in, I reviewed a blog I posted back in 2012, another season of intense medical and special needs.
The peace and joy of Christmas are still very present, as long as I intentionally seek out His presence. And so I connect to:
Wonder in Every Season
Hope… Peace… Joy… declarations shine out as we bustle from home and work amidst garland and twinkling lights. Candles mingle with signs proclaiming “Jesus is the Reason for the season”, venders are awash with evergreen. Yet when hope was born, all was simple; the struggle of a woman, the support of a man, and then… the cry of a babe.
My mind has been captivated by the miracle we call Christmas. An invitation has come: Dwell on the birth of The Anointed One daily, tarry in wonder. God has come to mankind with soft baby skin and love in His eyes. At the age of twelve, He astounded grown men. As He grew He was the voice of God incarnate.
He walked this earthen clay, and some called Him Teacher, some, Messiah, but the angel declared His name to be Jesus, which means “The Lord Saves”. For Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost; to restore the broken relationship between God and man. He bridged the chasm between us, took on the messiness of this mortal coil, so we might experience His love, His very presence in our daily lives. And so we call Him Emmanuel, God with us. The fact that Jesus Christ experienced the challenges we face in this world and overcame is a comfort to me. He experienced much greater suffering than most of us on this planet will ever know.
Miraculous! Saving power came through blood; such sacrifice. The cross is a violent image and yet, what is more tender than a newborn, wrapped in swaddling clothes? God in the form of an infant, dependent upon his mother for nourishment and care. Who can comprehend the unfathomable mystery? When the shepherds worshipped him, Mary pondered these things in her heart (Luke 1:19) and two thousand years later, I marvel at how God chose to reveal himself to man. He did not have to commune with us, but He did. He chose us.
What was it like for God to come as a child? He was sought out from afar before He could speak His name! From the rising of the sun, celestial gazers followed a star, rejoicing when they found the King. Men of wisdom saw God in the flesh– in a common home with His mother. As they worshiped, what did they behold? God cloaked in the form of a toddler. Does this not astound the foundations of a soul?
Costly gifts were presented; gold and frankincense and myrrh. Mary would have understood the spices were used in burial. When the fragrance filled his senses, did the Holy Child reach towards these gifts used to embalm, as any toddler would do? I marvel even now at the symbolism.
Luke tells us that as Jesus grew, He was filled with wisdom and “the grace of God was upon him”- but this is all we know of His early years, and so I plumb the depths with wonderings. Of this I am sure; Jesus understands what it is to be different. He was special in a way that changed everything. And as the parent of two young children with medical needs and special issues, I take comfort in this, too.
We are told in many ways throughout scripture that we are not alone, that we have a Savior who understands the intricacies and challenges of life. Emmanuel had the unique perspective of our human struggles matched with the limitless, unconditional, all sacrificing love of God.
Amidst the busy-ness and extra activities that come with the season, it is good to turn attention away from lists and activities, and take some time to dwell on the awe and comfort we can connect with in every season. He’s not found only in the manger- He is present in every moment, for He is Emmanuel, God with us.
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Post script-
Yes. I breathe in the truth, that the Light of the World is God with us. No longer alone in any season, but held through all the ups and downs of this life.
My prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude:
Thank you Father God, my ABBA, Daddy, for sending the Light of the World to bridge the great chasm and wrap me up your love and provision. Thank you that every need is met, according to your riches and glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Thank you for times of rest and refreshing in a busy season.
Thank you for pouring your light over and in and through me. As you go ahead of me, preparing the way, open my eyes to see those you want to bless through me today.
Here am I, send me.