As the rain and snow

“The Lord God had planted a garden in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden… The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:8-10,15

“[Jesus] went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden called Gethsemane, which [they] entered… Jesus… began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…

“‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” John 17:1; Mark 14:32-34,36

“Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus… He was accompanied by Nicodemus [who] brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes… Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen… At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb… They laid Jesus there.” John 19:38-42

From the beginning of the scriptures to the end of Jesus’s life, gardens held importance in God’s providence. John, who traced Jesus’s life from eternity past, ties His part in creation to His place in redemption. The place of perfect beauty and splendor became a place of impassioned wrestling and surrender became the place of poignant waiting and wonder. The fall in Eden necessitated the angst in Gethsemane which made way for Christ’s burial and resurrection. (John 1:1-4; Luke 24:1-8)

The splendor of gardens is that, though there are seasons they lie fallow, they are places of delight and beauty and hope and rest. God is always at work in the unseen, and shows forth His glory in the seen. Which garden holds special meaning for us today?

Are we at a fresh beginning, with nascent wonder of the new thing God is doing in our life or that of a loved one? Do we expect a re-awakening of spiritual hunger or inspiration to apply God-given talent? What work can we rejoice in today?

Perhaps we’re in a place of wrestling, sorrow, or pain. How steadfast are we in prayer, how persistent to endure? How willing are we to yield to God’s perfect will?

Maybe we’ve come to the place where we need to put away unpleasing attitudes or habitual practices that stifle gratitude or destroy relationships. Are we willing to bury past grievances, bitterness, temper, greed? What needs binding up in mercy and putting away forever? How can we sow love, joy, goodness, and faithfulness instead?

“Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.” ~German 15th century

Lord, may I welcome and bloom in every garden You appoint, to Your glory.

“[Abijah] reigned for three years in Jerusalem… Now there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam…

“’You think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made you for gods. Have you not driven out the priests of the Lord.., and made priests for yourselves like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes for ordination with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of what are not gods. But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the Lord who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service.  They offer to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but you have forsaken him. Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.’

“Jeroboam had sent an ambush around to come upon them from behind. His troops were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them.  And when Judah looked, behold, the battle was in front of and behind them. And they cried to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets. Then the men of Judah raised the battle shout. And when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.  The men of Israel fled before Judah, and God gave them into their hand… They relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers.” 2 Chronicles 13:2,8-16,18b

Abijah’s reign in Judah is marked by a raised voice. With armies opposed and enemy troops prepared to ambush, he found successful resistance in words of truth and pleas to God. Defenses were set based on God’s promises, and deliverance was won with a battle shout to the Lord. God on high hears and heeds the cries of His people! (Psalm 34:17; 50:15)

Today’s culture is set at high volume for argument, attack, cursing, all variety of verbal battle. We howl about our complaints, we shout for our causes, we berate those we hate. But the Lord would hush us to see that the only shouting He sanctions is the bold proclamation of His truth and scrying aloud to Him in prayer and praise. (Psalm 98:4-9; 107:6)

What habitual or impulsive fighting words would God obliterate from us? Will we confess the root causes of pride, selfishness, greed, resentment, and our tight-fisted right to hold on to them? When will we allow the Lord to uproot these pesky enemies, and how can we replace them with words of affirmation, gratitude, holy surrender?

Our victories in this life are won in Christ the Victor. Are we giving Him room and free rein to reign so we can win life’s battles in confident joy? How might we be an example to those who follow us? Where are we shouting His glories and praises so all can hear and echo their truths, and overcome? (2 Chronicles 14:11-12)

Father, fill my mouth with prayer and praise, and may every victory be unto Your glory.

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:1-8

Every soul since Eden has been conceived and born and enslaved in sin. Into this bleak cold the Lord Jesus broke through by grace, and with grace. The glory of His beautiful perfection in the boldness of His blood shone against the colorless backdrop of life without hope, bringing fulness of life with eternal hope. (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 3:20; John 1:16; Romans 5:12,15-19)

In the winter, air is cold, days are bleak, growth is dormant. In what we see and feel much seems dead, immobile, without hope. Inertia wanes still, hearts chill, inspiration sleeps. But there is a glory. Into the deepest and darkest the Lord Jesus came, and the darkness could not overcome His light. In the greatest of paradoxes, the crimson red of His lifeblood washed away the darkest sin to become white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18; John 1:4-5,14)

What circumstances or outlook presently broods bleak? In what situations do we prefer to hibernate and not deal with the conflict, the need, the pain? Where do we feel spent and dry, dormant in love, motivation, gratitude, a servant spirit? Too much inner focus will result in a midwinter of soul, for without Christ we are helpless flesh.

Do we desire revival? What if we turned from spiritual sloth and slumber to our Savior Friend and sought it? His love warms the most frigid heart, His grace transforms bitterness and disdain, His mercy spreads peace over shame and regret, His power ignites passion for compassion, service, creative and constructive industry. He designs our very circumstances, however bleak, to showcase His glory. Will we invite Him in to have His way?

“In the bleak midwinter
frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone:
snow had fallen,
snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter,
long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away
when he comes to reign:
in the bleak midwinter
a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.” ~Christina Rosetti (1872)

Lord Jesus, thank You for entering the bleakness of man to revive and redeem us. Please intrude in every area of my life that I can show forth the wonders and glories of Your love to a hurting, needy world.

“‘Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered…’

“Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain… When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

‘Worthy are you..,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.’

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:5-14

The Lion cub was born, the grown Lion conquered. The Root of David sprang up, the Root of David flourished as Victor. The Lamb was born on earth, was slain, and stands in heaven in regal power. What was promised has come to pass, and God’s people are the eternal beneficiaries.

Because of Jesus, the Mediator between God and man who rent the veil, we can pray. Because of Jesus, who conquered sin and death and their sting, we can sing a new song. Because of Jesus, risen and glorified, we can worship. Because of Jesus, our Advocate and Defender, we have living hope. Because of Jesus, who broke every barrier between man and men, we can join with myriads from every tribe and tongue and nation in fellowship and oneness in the Spirit. Allelujah! (Matthew 27:51; John 14:6; Romans 8:31-34; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Colossians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:19-22)

Christmas changed everything. What will it change in us? What will we do with open access to the God of the universe? What shame or regret will we renounce? What brooding depression or niggling fear can be swallowed in triumphant hope? What prejudices, divisions, and barriers in relationships do we intend to conquer in Christ? With what fresh praise will we honor the Worthy One?

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

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.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me alive in the vibrant hope and victory of Christmas.

“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)