Author: astherainandsnow

“I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne… From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

“In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back… Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
    who was and is and is to come!‘

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

‘You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.’” Revelation 4:2-3,5-6,8-11

John’s vision of the risen and glorified Jesus draws a hush of heart and a shout of soul. Seated in splendor, magnificently glorious, His very presence compels unceasing song and praise and honor and thanksgiving. All who behold Him fall down in whole and humble worship, hands open to offer every bit of talent, worth, goods, accolades, reward, expression. All is from Him, all is due this high and holy One who reigns in loveliness forever.

As we greet Christmas morning and approach the newborn King, what is our posture of body, mind, spirit? Would we bow in hushed adoration at His humble gift? Will we ponder His exquisite perfection and beautiful excellencies? Will we present Him full gratitude for every present given and received? He is worthy! (Zechariah 9:9)

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! 
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created;

O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! 
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! 

O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” ~John Francis Wade (1711-1786)

Alleluia and amen, newborn and exalted King!

“Azariah… went to Asa and said: ‘The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you… Take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.‘

“As soon as Asa heard these words,.. he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land.., and he repaired the altar of the Lord… And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord was with him…They sacrificed to the Lord on that day 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul…  They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.

“Even Maacah, his mother, King Asa removed from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron… The heart of Asa was wholly true all his days. And he brought into the house of God the sacred gifts of his father and his own sacred gifts, silver, and gold, and vessels.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-2,7-9,11-12,14-18

As soon as Asa heard these words, Immanuel, God with Asa, moved him to act swiftly and significantly. There is nothing stopping the power of a leader with whole desire for the Lord, both to direct his kingdom and to motivate his people. His whole heart put into action made for great praise, renewed commitment, and a joyous whole heart and soul for God in Judah.

The Spirit of God runs like electricity through the words of God, igniting His ready listeners to new desire that manifests in inspired, righteous action. With Him, we find courage and strength to banish idols, repair worship, and attract others to the Lord. Knowing His sacrifice- sending His Son to earth as Savior- we are compelled to sacrifice greatly for Him.

Immanuel is come. What does this mean for today, and the days to come? What difference does Christ make in our grudges, shadows, and weaknesses? In our worship, leadership, our every action, even hard things? How whole is our heart and desire for Him?

“O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.” ~J.M. Neale (1851)

Lord, keep my heart whole to rejoice in and reflect You, so You are desired and exalted.

“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord, the holy mountain… Behold, I will save my people..,  and bring them to dwell in Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.

“Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the prophets who were present on the day the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, that the temple might be built… For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground its produce, and the heavens their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. As you have been a byword of cursing,.. so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong…

“I purposed in these days to bring good..; fear not. These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;  do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord…’

“The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts and to entreat the favor of the Lord.  Thus says the Lord: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:3,7-9,12-13,15-17,21-23

The prophet’s message of hope for the returned Jewish exiles pointed to both the immanent and distant. The covenant promise was for God’s present abiding and a coming Messiah. As they awaited a glorious future, they were to sow peace and particularly, peculiarly bless the world.

There is much churn and stress in the scuttle and scope of days. Discouragement and fatigue can mar even the cheeriest of dispositions. But the promises in God’s word are ours to embrace and express in hopeful, joyful living. In the meantime of anticipating our returning King, there is peace and light to be sown in our dark world. (Philippians 2:14-15)

In these days, what goads or inspires? Are we moved more by hate and conflict than we are by love and hope? Where can and will we sow peace and joy? How and where will we speak life-giving truth in love? All the Prince of Peace commands, He enables. (Ephesians 4:15)

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1744)

Lord, may I faithfully sow Your peace and love so others see You and anticipate Your coming.

“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold,  besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the land brought gold and silver to Solomon.  King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels of beaten gold went into each shield.  And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; 300 shekels of gold went into each; and [he] put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold.  The throne had six steps and a footstool of gold, which were attached to the throne, and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests,  while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. Nothing like it was ever made for any kingdom.  All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold… Silver was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon… Once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

“Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.  Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and of gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.  And Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.  And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt…

“Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.” 2 Chronicles 9:13-17,19b-26,30

The magnificence and opulence of Solomon’s kingdom takes the breath away. Construction of the temple, securing of vast lands, unimaginable wealth and wisdom matched with vast knowledge, variety, beauty, and order stokes every sense to marveling. As astounding and marvelous this ordinary man who could accomplish and rule over so much in peace, there brewed in the unseen a trouble that would soon erupt in familial dissension, cruel greed, and a divided kingdom. (1 Kings 4:24-34; 2 Chronicles 8:1-8; 9:31-11:1)

His indulgence in many wives loosened Solomon’s spiritual guard, and ability to amass wealth further divided his focus. A heart needs constant maintenance to remain whole. (1 Kings 11:1-4; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 29:19; Matthew 6:24

On what do I set my eyes and heart? Am I aware of the foibles and traps that power and prosperity bring? Beware their captivation and jostling of the soul! What brewing greed or infiltration of misplaced foreign affections is God bringing to light? Where have I valued trinkets and power over the treasure of Christ? Once we recognize hidden idolatry and insidious self-promotion, we can return to the Lord. (2 Chronicles 11:13-16; Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:10)

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, in this season of giving and receiving, help me prioritize and praise You for Your indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:13-15)

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent… The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:1-3a,5-6

“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11

Every word of God is true, and carries power to accomplish what it commands, promises, foretells. His intended purposes for man are designed with eternal reason, and He expects His people to finish what they start, fulfilling His purpose for them on earth. Effort and intention must be matched with steadfastness to see things through. One of the clearest indicators of true spiritual life is fulfilling the work God assigns.

The Lord designed, unfolded, and finished creation. He sent His Son to initiate salvation and complete redemption for His glory and for us. He is fully invested in sanctifying us over the course of our life here on earth, conforming us to His image and purpose. He stands by His promises in action and character to perform, and expects that we complete what we have begun for Him. Incomplete works are affront to this One who is the beginning and the end, the all in all. (Genesis 1:31-2:3; Matthew 21:28–31a; John 17:4; 19:30; Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 1:6; Revelation 1:8; 22:13)

What has God called and especially equipped us to do in His kingdom- at church, in our homes, communities, and workplaces? How conscientiously do we carry out responsibilities? Do we accept His appointments with a sense of honor in serving Him, and enthusiasm? Do we embark on and see through each assignment with a commitment to excellence and zeal? (Acts 14:21-27)

Where have we not attached thorough action with intention, and what keeps us from it? What works have we begun for God but let slide by inattention or apathy? What personal preferences, worldly distractions, or weariness tempt or cause us to lose our zeal or give up the fight? What will we do to address these tendencies, and press on to completion of character and finishing faith’s race? The God who plants ideas and issues the call will enable us to be faithful to the finish. (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Peter 1:5-11)

“Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him; 
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” ~John Francis Wade (1707-1786)

Lord, inspire and satisfy me in completing all You assign, for Your purposes and glory. (John 4:34)

“When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord… There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  He came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,  he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
    that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'” Luke 2:22,25-35

The angels’ announcement of the great joy of Jesus’s birth is soon followed by the prophet’s pronouncement of His role as consolation of Israel. Both brought marveling at this promised One. Revealed and announced by the Holy Spirit of God Himself, the Christ would usher in salvation and light and glory and redemption before only anticipated, as well as disruption and opposition. Simeon beheld, held, and blessed the child Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s word in flesh. (Luke 2:36-38; John 1:1-5,9-14)

The indescribable Gift has come to us. He has served as Savior, accomplishing once for all the justice due us, and lives risen, ascended, and glorified as our Spirit-pulsing, ever-interceding Consolation. Today, anticipation is reality as we behold and hold and trust Him. By faith we know Him walking beside us along our way, and in circumstances and changes He orders. The promised One is ever-present. (Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Hebrews 7:25; 10:11)

Are there particular areas or situations where we’re bereft of consolation? Is there nagging doubt, niggling fear, pestering jealousy or resentment? Are we bowed beneath weighty grief or regret? The Lord Jesus applied is a salve to every rough condition, every untoward thought, every pain. Do we take Him at His word?

Where do we continue on in practices He came to redeem, making shameful excuses? Would we instead bless Him for abiding with us today?

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1744)

Lord, cheer my soul and ignite my worship with Your consolations. (Psalm 94:19)

“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses.., in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David. And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast… And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting… King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary,.. the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim… And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions, and all the Levitical singers.., their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord,

“’For he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever,’

“the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:2-5a,6-7,11-14

The description of the ark of God’s presence being set in the Most Holy Place rouses readers to joyful tiptoe. The event was the primary message, yet the backdrop vital to grasping the full glory manifested. As within (grammatical) parentheses the consecrated leaders assembled to tune instruments and raise their voices of praise in unison, so the Lord enveloped His glad people in the cloud of His shekinah glory. He is worthy of and delighted by both preparation and praise!

To add a parenthesis is to set apart vital information that supports or explains the rest of a sentence. In our daily routine, a checklist may outline necessary steps to take, but there are always important things that must occur in order for the items to be accomplished. Tending to the big while neglecting the small leads to frustration, lack of cohesiveness, disharmony. We must make certain of our behind- the-scenes.

In all our doings and preparations for this and that, are we aware of needed parentheses? Are we in the practice of tucking away to tune ourselves to praise? To get right with others? When do we set our attention on an undivided heart for the Lord, seeking His help to bridle mind and affection for wholehearted devotion, so that all is done unto Him? (Psalm 86:11; Colossians 3:23-24)

“Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns,
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Amen!

“At that time I will change the speech of the peoples
    to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
    and serve him with one accord.
From beyond the rivers of Cush
    my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones,
    shall bring my offering.

“On that day you shall not be put to shame
    because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;
for then I will remove from your midst
    your proudly exultant ones,
and you shall no longer be haughty
    in my holy mountain.
But I will leave in your midst
    a people humble and lowly.
They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord…

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
‘Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
    so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Behold, at that time I will deal
    with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
    and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
    and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you in,
    at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
    among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
    before your eyes,’ says the Lord.” Zephaniah 3:9-12,14-20

At that time and on that day promises were full of I wills that held unshakable hope. Each statement from the prophet was a pledge from the Almighty who would perform it, and could be savored. Every reality presently true would carry God’s people forward with rejoicing and song to all that would be.

We may currently feel judged against, nursing shame. We may be weak in spirit or aching with unfulfilled longing. We may be suffering separation or regret. Yet now, the Lord announces judgment removed. Jesus penetrates loneliness with His presence, and sorrow with song. He promises purity within and around, and rejoices in all He will save, quiet, gather, restore. Will we trade our dirge for a song? Will we choose to delight in this coming King?

“Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns,
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, may I ever exult on You and Your mercies, and so bring you the honor and song You deserve.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”  But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.'” Luke 18:9-14

Jesus’s comparison of the two praying men was meant to uncover their presumptions, then convict and commend. While the first man in self-focused prayer presumed the motives of others and that God needed his informing, it was Christ who knew the hidden heart. The man pridefully presumed God’s pleasure with his litany of good works, but the parable revealed and denounced his false righteousness. The humble man presumed only on the Lord’s worthiness and grace, and in raw confession pled for His mercy. He it is whom God justified.

Approaching the Almighty is an expression of assumptions, and He intends we get them right. In prayer that delights Him we come not on our own merit but His, presuming solely on His love and mercy, not our comparative deeds. It is helpful to bow humbly, expressing gratitude for access to His throne, where brazen confidence due to self-achieved standing turns the worship on us. It is right to focus on Him and acknowledge that He knows all rather than cozy up to Him with excuses and criticisms as if He needs our help and wisdom. (Psalm 94:11; John 2:24; Hebrews 4:12,16)

The key to proper presumption is knowing God through His word. The world and its varied experts give many an opinion and warped view of how God feels, but the holy scriptures are the only true plumb. The enemy wants us to live in the horizontal craze of comparison and boasting, and does all he can to keep our eyes from Jesus. The better we know our Lord and His attributes and ways, the more clearly we see how short we fall. Only when we grasp His just and loving welcome through the blood of Christ will we commune with honesty and effectiveness.

What defines our approach to God? Is it cocky, fearful, or driven by faith? Is it sporadic or consistent, self-confident or God-dependent, focused inward or upward? On what and whose terms do we come? Are we prone to explaining, informing, and bragging, or worshipping, thanking, confessing, and pleading? What needs to be corrected in our presumptions of who God is and how He works through prayer, of our spiritual fitness and standing, and how will we effect that change?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

My Lord, keep me humble, honest, and persevering in prayer that presumes Your mercy and praises Your majesty.

“In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

“And [the shepherds] went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:8-14,16-20

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The night of joy was a night of many contrasts. Into thick darkness the glory of the Lord broke and shone. Silent calm became loud fear. Trepidation was met with good news, and confusion was assuaged with promise. Mildly keeping watch turned to running with haste, and then the shepherds saw the Shepherd. God in the highest become babe in a manger. Wonder of wonders! Internal reflection burst forth in rejoicing and praise. These contrasts announce and picture our Savior with us, the infinite perfect God-man who broke through time and space to change the world and upend our destiny.

Our day to days are peppered with darkness and gloom of circumstance and heart. We busy ourselves with productive work, watching over our fields of duty, family, and ministry. We immerse ourselves in the temporal, and flirt with stress and fear of the unexplained and unknown.

Christmas is the celebration of the Eternal’s entrance into that existence, bringing great and inexplicable joy and meaning to our flock of cares. As we watch over responsibilities, do we look up to see His glory? How attuned are we to the reminders of His presence, His ministry in our lives, the hope He offers? How willing are we to lay aside our entanglements and tasks to run to behold Him? To adore Him, and then go tell He is here? What difference is our Lord Jesus making in our manner and work and outlook today?

Lord, may great joy identify me and my service, so You are seen and exalted.