Reflections of Christmas

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night…

Psalm 92:1-2 (ESV)

Memories, some hazy and others very clear, of Christmas eleven years ago flooded my mind. Before the holiday, sadness crept over me and intertwined with joy. 

            In May, my dad passed away. Mother’s health declined.  She lived at my brother’s home with a full-time caregiver. 

            After Alan’s infusions stopped, his idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis worsened. Fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath increased. 

            Despite wanting to admit it, I believed Christmas of 2014 would be the last one with Alan and mother. 

            We tried to make it as normal as possible. Anne’s mom hosted all of us for a lovely Christmas Eve dinner. Soon after we ate, Alan’s fatigue set in and we left early.

            The following morning, we arrived early at Chris and Anne’s to watch our granddaughters open gifts. Then Chris prepared a delicious brunch. 

            Alan joined in the celebration and left his O2 tank in the car. Three year-old Molly cuddled up to him like she did before the tubes circled his face. The contraption seemed to frighten her. 

            Since Alan felt stronger, we traveled to my brother’s home for a family dinner with extended family members. Mother’s caregiver wheeled her to the table. Even though she ate very little, she enjoyed the company. We savored the food, delighted in being together but missed dad and his jokes. I tried not to dwell on the reality of not all being together again. 

            For Christmas, I gave mother a sweater she wanted and the Guideposts daily devotional. For years, I had given my parents the year-long book so I didn’t want to stop. Although my heart wanted her to be able to finish it, my head told me she wouldn’t. 

            For years our Christmas meals were at my parents’ home with mother working for days to prepare. We would help her clean up. That day she rested. 

            Our holiday gatherings had dwindled in size and frequency as loved ones passed away and moved apart. 

            That day we didn’t dwell on who was there or who wasn’t. We embraced the moment and rejoiced we were together. 

            When my niece gave Alan a good-by hug, her eyes told me she knew it was the final one. 

            After a full day celebrating, we packed up and I drove home. God had blessed us with a remarkable Christmas. Laughter and companionship pushed aside tears and grief. Alan’s O2 tank only left the car when we got home. We were astonished that he didn’t require it all day long like he usually did. 

            Only a couple of weeks later, Alan joined Jesus in heaven. Mother followed in April. 

            I was so thankful for our final Christmas blessing. We thought it might be the last but only God knew for sure.

            Gather and talk to your family and friends often. Put aside differences and join in love. We have no idea when the last time will be the final one. 

Loving Father, thank you for bringing people together. Thank you for the blessings you give us. Help us appreciate the people you place in our lives. Amen

The Real Reason for Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

A collection of Christmas cards laid on my counter from various organizations that hoped I would send them donations. I placed them in two stacks after I looked at each one. The larger batch contained pictures of Santa, cute animals and even seashells with texts about happiness, joy and giving. 

            The much smaller pile represented the holy family, angels, stars, churches, wise men and shepherds. Messages relayed the birth of Jesus, the announcement from the angels, and verses from the Bible. 

            I used the ones which featured the true meaning of Christmas. 

            Unfortunately, many people around the world want to experience the superficial happiness, gifts and parties of the Christmas season without Jesus. They either ignore or don’t even know why Christmas is important. 

            Instead of getting caught up in the hectic chaos of Christmas, take time to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus. Read Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 2:1-23 and Luke 2:1-20. 

Share what you read with a friend or family member who may not know the story. Invite someone to church for Christmas Eve. Wish people a Merry Christmas and reach out to someone who is grieving or alone. 

Be more like Jesus to others and tell them about Him. He is the reason we celebrate. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing Jesus to us. Show us how to love others like He does and tell them about Him.

Amen

Joy in a Manger

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-8 (NKJV)

Twenty nativities filled the entertainment center in my living room. Each one presented unique figures crafted by various artists from the United States and other countries we visited on our travels around the world. 

            Every stable held Mary, Joseph and Jesus but some also included angels, shepherds, wise men, sheep, cows, and even camels. Although it would have been out of place in Israel, eighteen of the nativities placed the holy family in a wooden stable. Shepherds at that time protected their sheep inside caves in the hills around Bethlehem but only two of the nativities displayed caves as the birthplace of Jesus. 

            Every nativity represented an artist’s interpretation of the miraculous night when Jesus was born. The figures, frozen in place, depicted a clean stable with eyes fixed on the baby in the manger. A few knelt in reverence while the rest watched in awe. 

            The baby slept. Silent parents marveled at their precious son. Shepherds and wise men stared at the babe in the tidy manger. Angels hovered over the stable with arms outstretched. Each scene portrayed a sense of peace, joy and contentment. 

            No Roman soldiers stood near a dirty manger looking at the newborn. No crowds of travelers swarmed into the smelly stable.

But when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was little peace filling the streets. Romans occupied the country and Caesar Augustus demanded residents travel to their ancestral towns for a census even when it was inconvenient. 

Like individuals of long ago, we seek peace, joy and contentment. People try to find happiness in a variety of ways in our chaotic world but discover it is fleeting. 

During Advent, we prepare for Jesus’ birth and the celebration it brings. Slow down, examine the meaning of the nativity, and remember what Jesus brought. Joy to the world. 

He is no longer an adorable baby in a manger but a Savior who goes with us into our messy world.  

Loving Father, thank you for sending your son to rescue us. Thank you for the peace, joy and contentment we receive in knowing him all year and not just at Christmas.

Amen 

Am I Thankful?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

And be thankful. Do I really do that consistently? 

            Each morning, I write in a gratitude journal and list four or five things. Over the years, I have filled several journals. But do I just write my list and then go on with my day? 

            As I looked at the lake, I thought of the sunrises that present a gorgeous setting. Wildlife like sandhill cranes, egrets, ducks, deer and bears that visit. 

            Grocery stores provide an abundance of food.           

A reliable car gets me where I want to go and a supply of fuel keeps it running. Mechanics perform repairs. 

            Flowers and grass surround my comfortable home. It gives protection and safety. 

My closet holds more clothes than I need and my pantry has shelves of food.

            For years, I received an education from elementary school to college which enabled me to teach children. That career provided a retirement income to support me. 

            Recent health issues took me to a variety of doctors who prescribed multiple tests done in up-to-date medical facilities. 

            My church offers a place to worship freely. A Bible study meets in my home. 

            Neighbors give friendship and help when needed. Friends and family members care for and love me. 

As I thought of simple things and larger ones, my heart filled with thankfulness. On our trips around the world, Alan and I saw people who lacked many of the things we take for granted. Our travels have made me more aware of the plight of people in other countries. 

Also, I am content and know I am blessed to live in the United States. It isn’t perfect but allows us freedom and prosperity.  

Yes, I am thankful. 

Loving Father, thank you for all you have given to us. Help us to appreciate what we have and learn to be content.

Amen

 

Unpleasant Clamorous Voices

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Blackness encircled my patio with a sense of serenity. A lone lamp illuminated my Bible and devotional books. 

            When a faint light emerged beyond the woods, tranquility vanished. Chattering birds spouted noise all around the lake. Their squawks became louder and louder as they tried to overpower each other. There were no melodies to counteract their commotion. But a far-away rooster crowed to announce his presence. 

            After a few minutes, peacefulness returned. Rosy slivers of sky filtered through the trees. Cheerful birds sang soothing songs. Trees materialized and light reflected on the lake. A day of opportunities began. 

            The noisy birds reminded me of the clamorous voices I hear each day all around me. There are constant complaints and dissensions. I can join in with the tumultuous racket. 

            Or I can bask in the beauty of God’s creation which unfolded around me. Enjoy peace and contentment despite unrest and division. 

            When I remember how God has been with me in various trials, I am thankful. When I focus on His promises, I can find peace and contentment in the chaotic world. 

As an ambassador of Jesus in a foreign land, I can make the most of each day I have been given and prioritize learning to be more like Him. 

Father, give us strength, peace and contentment even when the world around us is in turmoil. Show us how to be a light in darkness as we follow Jesus.

Amen

An Unpredictable Week

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

What a difference a week makes! A fiery ball bounced upward behind the woods and illuminated the sky.  A forest of green enclosed the mirrored lake. Breezes tickled leaves and purple flowers. An occasional bird melody drifted through the air but wildlife remained hidden. An air of peace and tranquility hovered over my retreat as sunlight glistened on the pond.

            Last week presented a much different picture. Gusts of wind swayed trees and waved flowers. Clouds hid the sun and created a mood of gloom. Not one squirrel, bird or deer ventured out. No melodious songs broke the spell. Perhaps they also felt anxiety because of the impending hurricane.  

            Continuous coverage about the storm filled news reports. Anxiety and uncertainty abounded as the state prepared for the worst. I had endured other storms but this one caused fear and apprehension across Florida. The winds increased quickly and the size widened. We watched and waited. 

            Even with Milton advancing, my daily time with God gave me peace, in spite of, the storm. I thought of people who endured the devastation of hurricane, Helene, only a week earlier. Many died, some lost homes and businesses but they persevered. They received an outpouring of assistance and compassion. 

            As I prepared before I left for my son, Chris’s home, I took pictures if I needed them for insurance. Questions swirled. Would I return to an intact home? Would my neighborhood be demolished? Would we be injured or worse? 

            I prayed and felt a sense of calmness unlike the predictions on the news. No matter what happened, I knew God promised to be with us and protect us. 

            The beauty and serenity of my lake reminded me that God did protect us in the latest storm. My family, friends and neighborhood survived with little damage. Only inconveniences with power outages, no internet nor television. 

             Because we have been spared, we can serve those who endured so much. We can donate money to reputable groups. Clean up yards for those who can’t like our church members have been doing. Even in our community some have lost much. Flooding continues as the rivers rise.  We need to also pray for people suffering from Helene and Milton. 

Heavenly Father, we weep with those who are distressed by the storms. Guide us on how we can help. Surround them with peace and compassion. Thank you for all the workers who have labored to support and encourage thousands of people in multiple states. Disasters often bring us together. Thank you for being with us in our pain and in our joy.

Amen

Frenzied Dragonflies

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:17 (NIV)

Sunlight shimmered on the mirrored lake. Dragonflies darted in a frenzy near the shore, up to the trees and then out across the water. Individually and in small groups they rose, dipped and circled but never rested. 

            Cardinals perched in my oak tree and chirped a greeting to the dawn. 

A pair of unseen birds played a game of rhythmic follow the leader. One would utter a specific tone and rhythm which was repeated exactly the same way from across the lake. For several minutes, they continued their back-and-forth joyful patterns.   

After I completed my morning devotional time, the peacefulness of the lake held me captive. Instead of rushing inside to start my day of tasks, I delighted in the beauty before me. I thanked God for my home, the lake, safety from the hurricane and the wonder of perfectly created flowers and trees.  

Too often, I am like the frantic dragonflies who hurry from place to place and miss the beauty and peace around me. It is easy to ignore the blessings when I focus on the problems. 

My yard isn’t perfect but I can overlook dying leaves, algae on the lake and bare spots of grass to appreciate the splendor of my retreat.  

Eventually, I have to leave the tranquil sanctuary to return to the reality of normal life with its ups and downs. However, I will try to remember the lessons of looking for God in the messiness of life. 

God of Peace, show us how to slow down and appreciate all you have given us. Your peace comes even in difficult situations.

Amen