Friday, December 21, 2007
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
These are a few of my favorite shots of my grandkids, a major part of my comfort and joy- my delight!! It's for those bold enough to look up this blog, and for the Christmas letters I e-mailed without pictures!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas: Peace and a Sword.
Dec. 17, 2007
Luke 2: 35 “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
This prophesy was delivered to Mary from Simeon upon her presentation of the Baby Jesus in the temple.
It was right after his proclamation that Jesus was his salvation, and a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel. His confirmation to Mary that what the angels and sheperds had said was true: that this was the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us!
In today’s glitzy culture, with its Merry Little Christmas songs and commercialism, we forget that the Lord came with Peace AND a sword. That the pathway to His salvation was one wrought with death, as the innocent babies were slaughtered in an attempt to stop Him. And even in the one who would be our forerunner, so to speak, in birthing Christ; even in Mary, who the angel declared as blessed among women, there was also to be a sword that would pierce her soul.
I was having a hard time the beginning of December, it being the birthday and anniversary of David. We would have been married 30 years now had he lived. It was something I always assumed would happen. It was another death- the death of a dream. And then I heard a sermon by my old favorite, Jack Hayford on the slaughter of the children when Herod found out the wise men had tricked him. (They were, after all, wise) How God, told Joseph and Mary to flee. How sometimes we can’t stop injustice. How sometimes Hell gets its evil way. But in that, Jack pointed out, although it seems as if the forces of hell are winning out, the sacrifice was allowed to make way for a far greater deliverance. That deliverance was of the whole world from the clutches of hell. Not to the destruction of the kingdoms of men, but first- to each man’s heart, where they let Him in!
Not delivering us from the sword, but bringing something beautiful to us out of the ashes. An eternal life for death. A new hope where despair had been. A peace and power to comfort where God’s comfort has filled us.
And the real miracle of Christmas happened to me, to such an extent that the old songs of Christmas were resurrected for me. Songs now richer and fuller than ever before. Because the sword has revealed so much, and I love God so much more now. An inexplanable, yet palapable understanding of “joy unspeakable and full of Glory” comes to me when I worship Him.
I now know that David is hearing the same angelic hosts that broke through the sky that night and that I will one day sing with him and all my loved ones:
“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!”
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new a glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel’s voices, O night divine, o night, when Christ was born.”
This Christmas, may you find comfort in knowing that Christmas doesn’t have to be all glitter, jingle bells and good feelings. May you find hope in my story. May you know that, though you suffer, still the Christ child comes. May you be able to believe that God will bring new life to you if you let Him in. And may you find comfort in knowing that though the pregnancy is long and the travail is difficult, the promise will be birthed!!
Lastly, may the true meaning of Christmas fill you with Joy. The Lord has come! He’s come for you- and He’s willing to come into your darkness!
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing’
And heaven and nature sing,and Heaven,and,Heaven,and nature sing!"
Luke 2: 35 “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
This prophesy was delivered to Mary from Simeon upon her presentation of the Baby Jesus in the temple.
It was right after his proclamation that Jesus was his salvation, and a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel. His confirmation to Mary that what the angels and sheperds had said was true: that this was the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us!
In today’s glitzy culture, with its Merry Little Christmas songs and commercialism, we forget that the Lord came with Peace AND a sword. That the pathway to His salvation was one wrought with death, as the innocent babies were slaughtered in an attempt to stop Him. And even in the one who would be our forerunner, so to speak, in birthing Christ; even in Mary, who the angel declared as blessed among women, there was also to be a sword that would pierce her soul.
I was having a hard time the beginning of December, it being the birthday and anniversary of David. We would have been married 30 years now had he lived. It was something I always assumed would happen. It was another death- the death of a dream. And then I heard a sermon by my old favorite, Jack Hayford on the slaughter of the children when Herod found out the wise men had tricked him. (They were, after all, wise) How God, told Joseph and Mary to flee. How sometimes we can’t stop injustice. How sometimes Hell gets its evil way. But in that, Jack pointed out, although it seems as if the forces of hell are winning out, the sacrifice was allowed to make way for a far greater deliverance. That deliverance was of the whole world from the clutches of hell. Not to the destruction of the kingdoms of men, but first- to each man’s heart, where they let Him in!
Not delivering us from the sword, but bringing something beautiful to us out of the ashes. An eternal life for death. A new hope where despair had been. A peace and power to comfort where God’s comfort has filled us.
And the real miracle of Christmas happened to me, to such an extent that the old songs of Christmas were resurrected for me. Songs now richer and fuller than ever before. Because the sword has revealed so much, and I love God so much more now. An inexplanable, yet palapable understanding of “joy unspeakable and full of Glory” comes to me when I worship Him.
I now know that David is hearing the same angelic hosts that broke through the sky that night and that I will one day sing with him and all my loved ones:
“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!”
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new a glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel’s voices, O night divine, o night, when Christ was born.”
This Christmas, may you find comfort in knowing that Christmas doesn’t have to be all glitter, jingle bells and good feelings. May you find hope in my story. May you know that, though you suffer, still the Christ child comes. May you be able to believe that God will bring new life to you if you let Him in. And may you find comfort in knowing that though the pregnancy is long and the travail is difficult, the promise will be birthed!!
Lastly, may the true meaning of Christmas fill you with Joy. The Lord has come! He’s come for you- and He’s willing to come into your darkness!
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing’
And heaven and nature sing,and Heaven,and,Heaven,and nature sing!"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Santa, friend or foe?
"Come on, let's go see Santa!" Bowden and Lucy thought it was a great idea, until they saw the huge ball-of-red old man.
"But he's really nice, he's good," I yelled vainly as Bowden raced away, back down the candy cane path as fast as his little legs could take him. Lucy, surveying the scene, decided that Bowden was right, she would have nothing to do with that fat, red stranger, either.
"Let's put baby Jack on his lap, look, guys, Baby Jack is sitting with Santa. Come see him!" I shouted again, while Sarah went to retrieve her scattered flock.
Meantime, Santa spoke gently, and I said "Hi Jackie!" and Jackie flashed a contented grin. I'm not even sure if Jack even looked at the sweet bearded man holding him. I think he felt cozy in the giant red blanket, and firm, but gently white glove that held him.
But I keep looking at that picture. The sweet old man, perfect for the part,if they were looking for Santa in his very old latter years. His eyes really do have a twinkle when he smiles, his beard is real, but long and with thinning straight wisps at the end, like a worn out feather. His cheeks were the perfect roundness for Santa, with just the right amount of pink to be highlighted by his massive red suit.(this was a FAT Santa) And,like icing on the cake, his smile really did turn up like a bow! Mostly, though , this old man emanated a gentleness befitting of a loving Santa. Jackie sensed it,and was completely at ease.
I have a picture, but it won't scan.
Suffice it to say,that the more I looked at these 2 faces, the very young innocence of the 5 month old baby, and the smile-crinkled, gentle face of an old man
the more I was struck with the wonder of God's gift of Christmas, to those with the innocence to receive it.
How often we are afraid of the unknown. How often God sends us gifts wrapped in strange and "unconventional" packages and we go running. Bowden, of course, had an explanation for why he had to run later. We do too, don't we. Lucy, I suspect, followed his lead. We do that, too.
When the supernatural breaks into the natural, the first reaction is often fear.
" And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid."
But God understands, and calls us to gather courage and keep looking and listening,
"then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all the people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11
Don't be afraid of His messages,and don't be dissuaded by the odd package that might deliver them; for in them is your joy, in them is your salvation.
Think about it!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
A potty story
My grandson, Bowden, was on the toilet, and called to me to come. I assumed it was for help with wiping, as he's not yet mastered that one.
But,no. He was bent over on the toilet, pretty much in a jackknife dive position. On the floor beneath him was a book. I came in and said, "Yes, Bowden." He calmly stated, "I like to read while going poop!"
Well, since the book was closed, out of reach, and reading to him usually means being read to; AND since his announcement tickled me so.....
Well, what would any good Grandma do?
"Would you like me to read this book to you, Bowden?'"
"U-huh"
And so I sat, on the bathroom floor, because don't you know, I like to read while going poop, too.
And my grandson's poop doesn't stink to me!!!
But,no. He was bent over on the toilet, pretty much in a jackknife dive position. On the floor beneath him was a book. I came in and said, "Yes, Bowden." He calmly stated, "I like to read while going poop!"
Well, since the book was closed, out of reach, and reading to him usually means being read to; AND since his announcement tickled me so.....
Well, what would any good Grandma do?
"Would you like me to read this book to you, Bowden?'"
"U-huh"
And so I sat, on the bathroom floor, because don't you know, I like to read while going poop, too.
And my grandson's poop doesn't stink to me!!!
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