Beyond the Mist

The phone rang and as soon as I heard his voice I knew the message it carried. He was calling to tell me my friend was dead. I felt a deep sorrow. I spent the rest of the day remembering times I had spent with her as if they were scenes from a movie. I also thought, "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14)

All day I thought about my friend, remembering the first time we met; how we would watch our children play together. I had always enjoyed her artistic approach to every day things, and her ability to find treasures at yard sales was legendary. But now, like a vapor that floats for a while in the air but which disappears with the heat of the rising sun, my friend was gone. 

I had shared many things with my friend but there was one part of my life she did not want to participate in. She wanted nothing to do with my faith. She was always very kind, and when we were together she would invite me to pray before meals; but she did not join in the prayer. She allowed me to freely talk about my faith with her, because she loved me and understood that what I believed was a intricate part of who I was, but always made it clear that she did not share those beliefs. "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow." (Psalm 144:4) Like a fleeting shadow my friend was gone.

That Evening I received a second phone call. It was from my friend's brother. He was calling to tell me what had happened on Christmas Eve two days before she had died. "I want you to know this because I know you prayed for my sister and I do not want you to grieve like those who have no hope." He told me how he had share the gospel with his sister. He told her, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believed in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:14-16) She lifted her eyes believed in God's Son and received eternal life. Her brother and I wept together but in the midst of sorrow there was the joy that we would see her in eternity.

Father, I do not understand Your love that though our life here on earth is like a vapor You have given us Your Son so that whoever believes on Him might not perish but have eternal life. Thank You that even though I grieve the loss of my friend I am confident that I will see her again.

Letting Go of the Rope

"I am totally at the end of my rope." When I read these words that my friend had written me I wanted to whisper in response, “Then let go of the rope." 

We live in a broken world. In fact "The whole world is under the control of the evil one." (1 John 5:19) We live in a broken world under the control of the evil one and Jesus told us, "In this world you will have tribulation." The word tribulation comes from the Greek word thlipsis . When I researched the word in "HELPS Word-Studies"[www.helpsbible.com] I found it meant pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that "hems someone in;" tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, “without option"). This Greek word carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is "no way of escape." But Jesus didn't simply tell us that we would have tribulation in this world. He said, "But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

I understand this desperate feeling of clinging to the end of the rope when the world is pressing in and crying out, "I'm trying as hard as I can!" This is when I hear my Savior whisper, "Let go of the rope." Letting go of my striving I find myself plunged into His grace. As I let go of my desperate hold on the rope I cry out, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) In the process of letting go of the rope and taking hold of the promise I find peace.

Sometimes when I am feeling hemmed in by the pressures of life I forget the truth. I forget that I have been invited to rest in the love of God not because of what I have done for Him but because of what He has done for me. The place I find victory is not in striving but in trusting. When I walk in the truth of His love for me then I am sure of what I hope for and confident about what I don't see.

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into that place of perfect peace. Thank You that I can let go of the rope and find myself safe in Your arms. Please help me share this truth with others.

You Don't Have to Be in Control

The world had become to big for him. He was hiding in my closet. He looked so vulnerable, so scared and small. Quietly I joined him. I didn't come to lecture, I didn't come with answers, I came to listen. I held him as he poured out his fears, his anger, his tears. We sat together in the darkness. I have learned you don't have to have all the answers if you've found a resting place in the one who does.

I looked into the eyes of my beautiful friend and saw a cloud of sorrow there. I listened as she told me about her disappointment. When she opened the door to her heart and began telling me about her broken dreams the tears began to flow. "It's alright to be vulnerable," I said, "You don't have to be in control. You are safe. You are not alone."

It was long ago when the lie was told and then believed. "You can be like God knowing good and evil." Innocents died and naked vulnerability was clothed with the harsh lie of control. In the cool of the evening God came to garden to invite the created to enter into sweet fellowship with the Creator but they were hiding and fellowship was broken. Death had come when the lie was believed. Now there would be pain and thorns and thistles to control. But all was not lost there was also the promise of a Redeemer.

The one who came to set us free was born as a vulnerable infant. There was no power of wealth associated with the parents he chose. When he was born there were whispers of shame that some associated with his birth. He entered into history at a time when there was oppression and bondage. He tasted our tears, carried our grief and bore our sorrows. He came to the thorn infested garden to show us a way to be free from the bondage of the lie that we were in control.

Jesus, thank You for coming. Thank You for entering into our weakness so that we could enter into Your strength.

"Mark My Footsteps My Dear Child"

Whenever I couldn't remember the exact words to a song I would make them up. This was not real problem unless I was singing with other people. However, this did make it difficult for my children because they were familiar with the words I put to the song and were confused when others sang the same song in a different way.

Recently I went to a friend's house for a carol sing. One of the songs we sang was, "Good King Wenceslas." It's a fun song to sing. There was one verse in the song that stuck in my head. It stuck in my head slightly altered from it's original form.

"Father, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
        I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my dear child
      Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
  Freeze thy blood less coldly."

As I have sung my version of this song I have thought about my parents. When I was a child I thought they simply did what came naturally. I know better now. Now I know that the decisions they made were guided by their choice to follow in Jesus' footsteps. I have been blessed beyond measure by their example and I pray that my children will be able to find shelter from the winter's rage by following me as well.

Lord Jesus, this Christmas I thank You again for humbling Yourself and coming to us in human form. Thank you for leaving us not only footsteps to follow but for giving us Your Holy Spirit.

The Deep Comfort of Christmas

The Sun has yet to rise this morning but because my house is dark the Christmas lights are even more beautiful. There has been so much sorrow in the news this week. In the quiet of this morning I have been comforting myself by reading the words to Christmas carols. Sometimes I find the deepest comfort embedded in the heart of the carols.

"All ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow. Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing: O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing! For lo! the days are hastning on, by prophet barbs foretold  when with the ever circling years come round the age of gold; when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing." This song reminds me of how my grandmother found deep comfort by reading the prophets. She marveled at the prophecies that were fulfilled at Jesus' birth and studied the prophecies that point to His second coming with anticipation like that of a young child who waits for Christmas morning.

"I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, goodwill to men. I thought how, as the day had come the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along th'unbroken song of peace on earth, goodwill to men. And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong  and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men" Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail  with peace on earth, goodwill to men." Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day, a voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

"Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak peace, thus said our God; Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning 'neath sorrows' load. Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over  Hark the voice of one that crieth in the desert far and near, biding all men to repentance since the kingdom now is here. O that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way; let the valley rise to meet him, and the hills bow down to greet him. Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain  let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign. For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad; and all flesh shall see the token that his word is never broken.

Father, your light penetrates my darkness and when your songs inter my heart and I find deep comfort as I sing. "O come, thou Day spring  come and cheer, Our spirits by thine advent here, Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel shall come to thee , O Israel!

The Candle is Lit

The candle is lit, it illumines the darkness and I know His presents is in this place. The quiet of the sanctuary fills my being with a since of awe and wonder. Mother and Daddy woke me from a sound sleep to dress me and bring me to church at Midnight. The room is dark except for the flickering light of the candles. The air is filled with the smell of sweet perfume and the sounds of worship. Now I see what I've been waiting for, the Nativity.

The candle is lit. When the light of the world came into our darkness there were shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. "Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them."(Luke 2:9) They were common people yet they had been invited come and see the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And now here I was just a common little girl wrapped in the wonder of Jesus' birth.

The candle is lit. I'm sitting, waiting, holding my unlit candle. All through the service the the sanctuary has been lit by the flickering lights of the candles but now the flame is being passed from one candle to another. Now it's my turn I touch the wick of my candle to the flame. "I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness." (John 8:12)

The candle is lit. When I was a little girl the light of the candle reminded me that I had come to worship. At Christmas time when I was entrusted with a burning candle I was reminded that I, like the shepherds, had been invited to participate in celebrating the coming of the Savior.

Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world. The night of your birth the armies of heaven proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Lord, You came into our darkness to bring us light You entered into our chaos to bring us peace. Please let me carry within me Your light.

"Be Ready For the Son of Man is Coming"

When I was a senior in high school I wrote a paper about all the prophecies Jesus fulfilled in His first coming. I can still remember the since of wonder I was filled with as I explored the scriptures in this way for the first time. It was as if I was discovering arrows of light that pointed to the truth.

One of the prophecies was that men would have eyes but they would not see and ears but they would not hear. I see this clearly when the wise men came to Jerusalem saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."( Matthew 2:3) This was not done in secret Herod and all Jerusalem were troubled. This was not the first hint that the messiah had been born.

When Jesus was eight days old his parents had taken him to the temple to be dedicated. Simeon who had been waiting for the consolation of Israel when he saw Jesus proclaimed, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen you salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32) The Prophetess Anna had recognized who Jesus was and, "She began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."(Luke 2:38) These things took place not in a remote place but in the temple at Jerusalem.

Now here they were a caravan of Gentiles following the light of a star just like Simeon had proclaimed in the temple! Herod assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the peoples, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'"(Matthew 2:6) They knew what was written by the prophets.

There are prophecies yet to be fulfilled prophecies about Jesus' second coming. "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" Matthew 24 is Jesus' response to his disciples question. Jesus told them,"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son but the Father only. As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."What were the days of Noah like? "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." (Genesis 6:11)

Lord Jesus, I do not want to be like those who missed Your first coming. You told Your disciples to, "Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Help me to understand the times in which I live. Help me to have eyes that sees and a heart that understands. Grant that I might be like Simeon and Anna and live my life with a since of anticipation.

Our Deliverer Has Come

 I stood in the middle of the kitchen and wept. The radio was on and I heard for the first time the details about the shooting that had taken place that day at an elementary school. I felt overwhelmed by sorrow. In my mind I could see the faces of my own children and grandchildren at that young age. I grieved for the children and the families and for all of us because these children in some ways belong to all of us.

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18) This too is part of the Christmas story. Why did Jesus come? He came to be the deliverer to rescue us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Sometimes I feel that at Christmas time everyone should be happy but this reflects a very shallow understanding of why Jesus came. Jesus came in response to the tender mercy of our God to be our deliverer to save us from the Power of Darkness. Jesus came, “To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 2:77-79)

Last Sunday we sang “Our Deliverer is Coming” by Rich Mullins. The song was particularly touching because we had a small choir of young children who sang the chores. These are the word to the song;

Joseph took his wife and her child

And they went to Africa

To escape the rage of a deadly King

There along the banks of the Nile

Jesus listened to the song

That the captive children used to sing

They were singing’

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standing by

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standing by

Through a dry and thirsty land

Water from the Kenyon heights

Pours itself out of lake  Sangra’s broken heart

There I the Sahara winds

Jesus heard the whole world cry

For the healin’ that would flow from His  own scars

The world was singn’

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

He will never break His promise

He has written it upon the sky

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

I will never doubt His promise

Though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by

He will never break his promise

Though the stars should break faith with the sky

Father, yesterday the thin membrane that separates us from the evil one was ruptured. I am reminded of that first Christmas when there was the sound of weeping and lamentations, mothers weeping for their children refusing to be comforted because their children had been taken from them. Two thousand year later the sound of weeping mothers can be heard again. Thank You, for sending your son into this broken world to be our deliverer.

The Torch is Lit and I am Waiting

She was my Grandfather's sister. Aunt Ellen had always been a kind and generous presence in my childhood, so when my Mother told me she was on her death bed I went to visit her.

She looked so small and frail in her hospital bed. I wasn't sure if she would know who I was or not, but when our eyes met I knew she did. She told me to pull a chair up next to her bed, then she reached out and took my hand. "Sarah, my mother always hoped that she would live to see the return of Christ. When she died she passed the hope to me. Now I pass this torch of hope to you. Live your life with the anticipation that Jesus may return in your lifetime."

This morning I was reading to my grandson about Simeon. "Now 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." (Luke 2:25,26) We read how he had come in the Spirit to the temple on the very day Joseph and Mary had brought Jesus.

I told Jack that when Jesus had ascended into Heaven angels had appeared and had told the disciples that this very same Jesus would return in like fashion. I have carried this torch of anticipation all my life, and now it was my turn to share it with the next generation. "Jack, Jesus is coming back again. Simeon was there is see Him the first time Jesus came. Perhaps you will be alive when Jesus returns. Live your life with this anticipation."

Lord Jesus, I am reminded of what You said in the last chapter of Revelation, "'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come Lord Jesus!"(Revelation 22:20)

The Relationship Between Repentance and Peace

"I like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues." This was one of the comments I found on my Blog. I am often concerned not only that I might spell something wrong but also that I might have run on sentences, comma slices, and even sentence fragments. I do proof read what I write but still I often find it difficult to see my own mistakes. This would be the benefit of having someone else to edit my work.

This is not just a problem with my writing this is a problem I have in general. I have a very difficult time seeing where I am wrong. The other night I got into a fight with my husband. It began when I did something that hurt his feelings. My response was to justify myself and point out his faults. His faults were obvious to me but I was blind to my own.

As I was going to sleep I prayed a prayer I often pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) God answered that prayer and I was finally able to see where I had offended my husband. The light penetrated my darkness and only then could I see where I had been self centered.

This incident made me think about the relationship between repentance and peace. Until I was able to see that I had wronged my husband and that I needed to repent we didn't have peace between us. Not only that but I didn't have within myself either. When God sent John to prepare the way for the Savior his message was one of repentance. In order to receive the Peace from Heaven there had first be the acknowledgement and repentance of sin.

Zechariah said, "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."(Luke 1:75-79)

Did I Miss It?

I thought I had plenty of time but now I find myself sitting in the dark wondering if I'm to late and it has passed me by. Did I miss it?

All these back roads look the same and there is no light. I can hardly see the curve of the road. Where am I? How did I get so lost! I thought I knew where I was going. I thought I knew where this road would take me but now I don't know where I am. I was wrong. Now I know that I am lost!

Walking on a deserted country road I suddenly feel afraid. I don't know what I'm afraid of but the fear is almost tangible it's like a warning to turn and go a different direction. I obey the warning and find out latter that a murderer lived down the road I was about to walk on.

I have a shepherd. There are times in my life when I feel like I have missed out on what I was supposed to do with my life except that as a child I asked Jesus to be my Savior. Jesus said that He was the Good Shepherd and ever since I was a child I have asked Him to guide me. So I choose to silence my doubts by trusting my shepherd.

I have a shepherd and this is a good thing because like sheep I have a tendency to loose my way. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 119. "With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandment from me!" (Psalm 119:10,11,18,19) In this Psalm I see a passionate love for God's word. My heart resonates with the Psalmist passion. However, I also whisper the last verse of this Psalm in prayer as well. "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments." (Psalm 119: 176)

I have a shepherd. I need a shepherd because I also have an enemy that comes to steal and kill and destroy. This spiritual enemy is just as real as the murderer who lived down the street. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." ( John 10:10,11) I not only have a shepherd, I have a Savior.

Lord Jesus, like a sheep I do not know the path I am to take. Thank You for guiding me. Like a lamb that wanders off I too have sometimes lost my way. Thank You for seeking me. I have walked in the valley of the shadow of death. Thank You for being my Savior.

"Overshadowed"

Has your life ever been overshadowed by something? The definition of the word overshadow is:
1. to exceed in importance.
    "the tragedy overshadowed the couple's happiness"
2. to cast a shadow over.
     "the scandal followed her all her life."

This year I have had some health issues and I discovered that via the Internet I could spend hours doing researching if I chose to. However, I chose not to do that because I was afraid that if I did it would overshadow everything else in my life. I did not want to define who I am by things like that.

Although I chose not be overshadowed by my health issues there is something I do choose to be overshadowed by. I want to be overshadowed in the same way Mary was when the Gabriel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." (Luke 1:35)

In my life this overshadowing took place when I was baptized into Christ Jesus. "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) This new life is lived in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, I come to You and ask that I might decrees and that You would increase in my life. I want to be alive to You and dead to me. Please fill me today with Your Holy Spirit.

"But Mama, Who Will Light the Christmas Candle?"

The year was 1973. I was young and very much in the love with the man who would become my husband. It was our first Christmas together and it was at that first celebration that I was introduced to the lighting of the Christmas candle. I didn't know then that this lighting of the Christmas candle would become one of my most cherished Christmas traditions.

Samuel Hardiman Jones Sr. held in his gnarled hands an old brass candle holder. The skin on his hands was as transparent as his heart and the tears slid unbidden down his wrinkled cheeks. The brass candle holder had once belonged to his mother. As he lit the candle he was reminded of the
Christmases of his childhood when his mother's young hand held the light on those dark December nights of long ago. His mother was now a sweet memory that was awaken every Christmas when he would hold in his hand the same candle holder that she had held in her hand and he would weep.

I learned that year that tears were part of the Christmas celebration. Samuel Hardiman Jones Sr. with a voice that chocked with emotion explained the significance of the brass candle holder. Then he lit the candle and as he did he spoke about the tender mercy of God. "This light is to remind us that we have been visited by the sunrise from on high. Jesus has come to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

When Great Granddaddy died I was given the antique brass candle holder. Every year I would ask Papa, Great Granddaddy's son, to light the Christmas candle. He would take the candle holder into his hands that had become twisted by the years and he would pause as the tears gathered in his eyes. With a voice husky with emotion he would light the candle and remind us that Christmas is about when the light of the world penetrated our darkness.

The year Papa died was difficult. His bride of sixty four years had died just six days before him. As Christmas was approaching my daughter broke down and wept. Beside the olive wood nativity I had placed the candle holder. "But Mama, who will light the Christmas candle?" I knew the pain in her heart because it was in mine as well. "Your Daddy will light the candle and we will all weep. We will remember Papa and Grandma Belle and all the ones we love who are no longer with us and we will weep. However, we will not grieve like those who have no hope. We will light the candle and we will remember why Jesus came."

Don't Let Your Goals Be a Stumbling Block

I don't remember the exact words she used but I understood what she was asking. She was one of the callers on a radio program I listen to and the question she asked had to do with her and her husband of three months making plans about how they would serve God together. The response to her question was rich with wisdom. "You are young and you do not yet know the challenges you will face. It is good to have goals of what you want to do for God but don't let them become stumbling blocks if your life doesn't turn out the way you planed for it to turn out." I'm not sure if these were his exact words either but they are what I heard.

I remember the goals I had as a young woman leaving home for the first time. I dreamed of serving  God in dramatic ways. The truth is if I had been the author of my own story it would look far different than it does today. Looking back now I wonder if I was seeking to bring God glory or wanting my own glory by seeking God?

"You are young and you do not yet know the challenges you will face. It is good to have goals of what you want to do for God but don't let them become stumbling blocks if your life doesn't turn out the way you planed for it to turn out." I had no idea when I was a young woman what the challenges were that I would face. If I had placed my faith in myself or my goals I would have been crushed long ago.

What I have found throughout these years of longing to serve God is that it is both a humbling and a purifying pursuit. The challenges I have faced have been like a refining fire exposing my prideful heart and desperate need of a Savior. The role that God has given me has not been that of being the author of this story but of trusting the one who is.

Lord Jesus, I am fixing my eyes on You. You alone are the author and perfecter of my faith. I lay on Your alter all my ambitions, hopes and dreams.

A Cure For Drudgery

I've been decorating for Christmas. I do it partly for my grandchildren because when I put the angels on the mantle and string the lights on the porch it builds a since of anticipation. But I don't just do it for them I do it for myself as well. I can get locked into the drudgery of life and only see the day in day out work that is before me. Christmas reminds me that I'm part of a bigger story.

"I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news." (Luke 1:19) This is part of the wonder of Christmas, this intersection of what happens in the presence of God and here on earth. Gabriel was sent from God's presents to tell Zechariah that the four hundred year of silence was over. What was the good news he brought? Zechariah's prayers had been heard and his wife was going to have a baby. This child would be filled with the spirit of Elijah and make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

Next Gabriel was sent from God presence to a city of Galilee named Nazareth. I have now been to Israel twice and both times the tour guide didn't think Nazareth was significant enough to stop the bus. It may not be significant enough to stop a tour bus but God choose Nazareth as the place where Gabriel would greet Mary with the news that she had been chosen to be overshadowed by the Most High by the Holy Spirit and that she would conceive a child.

The lights I have on my porch come on automatically. They remind me that Jesus was born at night. I can just imagine the shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night, trying to stay awake and maybe wishing they were home in bed. In this ordinary setting to these very ordinary people an angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shown around them. Then came the message that the fullness of time had arrived, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord had been born! "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!'"(Luke 2:13)

Father, I am filled with wonder at the message the angels brought on the first advent. But I am filled with anticipation with what the angel said at the Resurrection. "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus. who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11) It's been almost two thousand years since the angels said these words but that doesn't diminish my anticipation it increases it.

He called me by name

Growing up in a big family I knew that if someone was looking at me they were probably talking to me even if they called me by the wrong name. I've experienced talking to people who weren't sure how to address me so they didn't use my name. But I also remember when Steve looked into my eyes and spoke the words before a church filled with people, "I Steve take you Sarah to be my wife." He called me by name.

I was reminded of this yesterday when we read the passage, "Fear not, for I redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1) In my relationship with God I am more than just one of His creations. I am not simply lost in the sea of humanity  He called me by name.

I live on a cattle farm. When herding the cows shock sticks are used but when a shepherd is herding his sheep he calls them by name. When Jesus described the kind of shepherd He was He said, "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them." (John 10:3) This is such a comfort He not only calls me by name but he also leads me.

Sometimes I feel lost. I'm not sure where I am much less where I'm supposed to be going. When I feel insecure and unsure of who I am or where I'm going I remind myself that my security rests in the fact that I have a good shepherd. A good shepherd who not only leads me but also gives me abundant life. I don't have to be afraid He doesn't just lead me He also calls me by name.