I love the lights and sparkle of Christmas. I love the music and the beauty of it all. I must admit to enjoying the years there were lots of gifts under the tree as I enjoy searching for that perfect item that will bring a smile on the face of the recipient. I love Christmas dinners, peppermint ice cream, gingerbread men, and eggnog on Christmas Eve.I listen to the music of the Season, tie the apron around my waist and bring out the flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The cookie cutters shape the dough as stars and trees and candy canes are baked and frosted to be sprinkled with sparkly sugar. Yet...
I stop to ponder and push aside the glitz and the glitter... ignoring the crowds, the mall, shoppers with their lists and goals... past the school programs... yes, even beyond the beautifully decorated churches and choirs... my thoughts journeying through the centuries to the humble stable and precious virgin mother holding her child.
I wonder what the shepherds were thinking as the angels appeared. Did they understand the universal importance of the moment? Was their fear replaced with faith? Did they remember the angels and the message years later as they saw three crosses on a hill?
I think of the wise men from the East as they traveled toward the star. What brought them on the long and perilous journey? Was it the ancient writings of the man named Daniel? How did they know Truth when those who were religious missed the moment?
His life reflected not the Christmas commercials or even the beautiful scenery on a winter morning. He was as humble as the manger and as Glorious as the star. His message was not to make us long for more of this world's offerings... but to make a way back to the Father.
As I light the tree this year, placing my morning mug of coffee on the table, and opening the Word... I will thank God for the glitz and the glitter, for meeting needs and desires of the heart.
However, in the dark of a winter's morning my thoughts will take me past the young woman holding her wee son to the mother sobbing at the feet of the cross as the Lamb is offered for the sins of the world... the curtain which separates the creation from the Creator will be torn... Eden to be restored.
The manager in the shadow of the cross...
That morning when death was conquered and It Is Finished was complete...
Maranatha...
Returning this time not the baby in the stable but riding on a glorious horse for all to see.
The coming conquering King...
10 comments:
Artistic, beauty crafted into words and a comfort to my soul. I am so thankful for you! Today, because of you, I will worship Him more personally and heartily.
Brenda, A beautiful meditation on this wondrous event.
Like you, I love all the fun and festive activity we surround this season with, and like you and Mary, in the midst of it all, my heart also ponders the wonder and mystery and beauty of His coming to be Emmanual 'God with us'.
Blessings and great joy! Brenda
What a wonderful reminder of what this season is really truly about. I wish I was there to share a cup of coffee and talk about our Christmas' past. Although I'm a little older than you I believe we have had my similarities. Sometimes it's hard to praise through the pain, but He gives us so much and where would we be without Him? We have some cold weather here in the South. I pray your day will be delightful!!
That was beautiful. I think it took a lot of faith to follow that star. They must have been special men. I wish we had more details. Linda
What a beautiful post - my thoughts often drift to the Savior's birth and I wonder what Mary and Joseph must have been thinking - knowing that they were holding God's son. Thanks for the reminder.
Blessings, Barb
A beautiful post once again. I can't wait to see Him riding on a horse in all His majesty. Oh what a beautiful day that will be for those who know Him. Hugs..
So beautifully written, Brenda. Your words comforted my heart more than you'll ever know.
Eggnog on Christmas Eve? How about eggnog once a week all during December!! Beautiful post today.
my favorite bible story is of the shepherds who were told of the new born babe at the stable. i was just telling my teenage son of this today. shepherds were lower class in their day, and here's the God of the universe who chose to tell them first that His Son had finally come into the world and was here...right nearby...lying in a manger.
you gotta love it. :)
jo
You have such a wonderful way with words. Every post that I read deeply touches me. Have you ever thought about writing books or doing some writing for payment? I think you could be quite successful.
Thank you for this beautiful post.
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