HOPE

 

Hope - a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.  That may be the 'dictionary' definition, yet, I'm certain that if you were to ask ten people what hope means to them, ten different answers would abound.  Hope - the desire for something better.  Hope - the knowledge that good is coming.  Hope - anticipation of expectations.  Hope.  This past year, many floundered when it came to hope, for good reason.  There were many instances of 2020 that may have 'paused' our hope button.

It's hard to have hope when people around us are sick and dying.  It's hard to have hope when so many are struggling, financially, with relationships, and with faith.  It's hard to have hope when you turn on the news and there isn't much hope being offered in the words of the newscasters.  It's hard to have hope when you can't hug loved ones.  

Hope is here.  I can firmly say that because the one who brings us the only hope we need is God.  God is good, all the time - even when hope seems to be at its last thread.   As we read the verse from today, some people may say, "I had harm in my life, I've had heartache, I'm exhausted from trying, I've lost my faith."  It's true, we have all had those feelings in our lives, especially this year.  What is so very important to remember is that we are here - at the end of 2020 - together.

At the end of a year that has tried the best of us, we are all together in faith.  We read the words of Jeremiah and know that God is for us, not against us.  The direction the world may have taken these past months may be disheartening.  Yet, God hasn't left us.  He continues to walk right beside us, to the new journeys that lie ahead for all of us.  He holds our hand and guides us.  As the future embarks on us, He is providing for our future - with HOPE!  

Hope is more than wishing - it's knowing that the world, with God, is good.  We may have seen much sadness, but we have also seen joy.  We have seen families come together around the kitchen table, eating meals together, playing games together.  We have seen kindness in providing for a neighbor or a stranger.  We have seen heroic efforts by those who truly deserve our admiration - front line workers in so many fields.  We have seen hope in a person's eyes, in their actions, in prayers, in love.  

As we enter 2021, I ask one thing of all of us - be the HOPE for someone.  God will give you all you need to be that hope for someone in need.  A kind word, a small note, a financial gift, a prayer.  Let's not just hope for ourselves, but show others what hope looks like.  For we can be rest assured that God will provide plans of prosperity and will provide us the hope we need to raise our heads from the pillow each day.  May 2021 bring you the hope that you can bring to another!

Dearest Father, we thank you for the hope that you give to us - hope that the plans you have for our lives are exactly what we need.  Let us be the hope for others, God.  May we take the outpouring of love you have for us and give it to all in need.  Amen!

Jesus - The Peace of Christmas and Easter

 

Here we are, the fourth Sunday of Advent.  As we wrap up the Christmas/Easter similarities, we would fall short if we didn't mention our Savior Jesus, present at both.  There are so many wonderful themes we could choose for Jesus' presence at Christmas and Easter.  Today, I am choosing peace.  Although there are many reasons for this, I fully believe that in a year filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we all need to feel the peace of our Lord Jesus.

The prophesy of Jesus' birth in Isaiah is wonderful.  Yet, my favorite account is our verse for today.  This verse shares all of what Jesus will be known as.  My favorite?  Prince of Peace.  When I visualize Jesus in the manger, coming into this world in such a humble way, there is peace.  I read this verse and I breathe - knowing that when Jesus took his first breath, a life filled with peace for all would be given to us.  As we walk through Jesus' life, time and again he provides peace for those that he encounters.  Although we may not see him in flesh today, he is certainly with us and continues to provide peace for all those that believe.

As we reflect on Jesus' death, we once again see the peace that he brought us.  Jesus' actual death on the cross was horrific.  Yet, what it brought to all of us that believe is the peace of eternal life.  With his death, we have life!   With his death, we have healing. With his death, we have peace - knowing that our sins are forgiven.  With his resurrection, we will be with Jesus in paradise.  That certainly brings peace to my soul.

On this Christmas, we may reflect on all the trials and tribulations of this year.  Yet, may our Prince of Peace, the one who died for our sins to bring us peace everlasting, find a place in your heart.  May you breathe in his peace.  May this bring your comfort and joy.  Our world has changed in ways we would never have imagined.  The constant in our lives, Jesus Christ, who was born on Christmas, and rose on Easter, came to earth for you and for me.  Let us always remember that, not just at Christmas, but every day.  May each and every one of you enjoy a blessed Christmas.

Dearest Jesus, we thank you for being our peace at Christmas and at Easter.  As we begin this Christmas week, may our hearts be filled with joy and peace - knowing that you take each step of our days with us.  Grant us the hope that only you can bring.  In your peaceful name we pray, Amen!

Wood of Christmas and Easter

 

One of the most recognizable images of Christmas is the nativity scene, with Jesus in the manger.  I love that scene.  It provides so much in one image - the image of hope, joy, strength, and love.  All of that is projected from the manger, the wooden crib that Mary laid Jesus into because there was no room for them.  A wooden crib, the humblest of cribs, located in a stable.  How can a humble manger project the images shared above?

The crib of hope - God came down as a baby to be laid in a humble manger.  The hope of the world laid in a wooden manger.  Jesus, God made man, was brought into the world to later hang on a wooden cross as he died for the hope of all who believe.  Hope is what every Christian has, knowing our death will mean eternal life.

The crib of joy - even the angels praised God, as Jesus was born and placed into the manger.  The joy that the angels and shepherds shared on that first Christmas was the joy that was seen at the empty tomb.  The joy of Jesus brings us the joy we need every day - the joy that helps us to share Jesus with others.

The crib of strength - as the infant Jesus laid his head in the manger, he became the strength that was needed, not just then, but even as he hung on the cross.  The strength that Jesus showed during the entire crucifixion is in the hearts of all Christians.  It is that strength that we call upon when we can no longer go on.  When we are weak, Jesus is our strength.

The crib of love - Jesus being laid in the manger was God's love coming to earth.  There is no greater gift than God's unconditional love.  We have such need of that, every day of our lives.  Not only was that love revealed in the manger, it was even more greatly revealed as Jesus hung on the cross.  Jesus' love for each and every one of us was on the cross as he died for our sinful lives.  Because he died on the cross, we can live a life where our sins are taken onto Jesus' shoulders.

The wood of the manger and the cross brought us hope, joy, strength and love.  The connection of that wood, from Christmas day to Good Friday, helps us to see Jesus coming to earth was done for each and every one of us.  Let us forever sing God's praises for his life, from the manger to the cross.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for using humble wood in your birth and the tree of the cross upon your death.  Each time we see the manger of  Christmas, may we also see the cross of your death.  From the manger to the cross, your life on earth was for our life in heaven.  May we always keep that message in our hearts.  In your heavenly name we pray, Amen!

Myrrh of Christmas and Easter

 

As we continue to observe the similarities between Christmas and Easter, the gift of Myrrh becomes a common mention.  Doing the research to bring these similarities forward, I found it amazing what Myrrh was used for.  As stated in Matthew, Myrrh was given to Mary and Joseph by the three kings who travelled to see the Savior.  On their way, they had stopped to see Herod, who, as we know, was very anxious to find the Savior.  After the kings worshipped the True King, they had a dream that told them not to head back to Herod, so they went home another way.

I found all the gifts that the kings brought to Jesus to be interesting.  Gold represented high value (as it does today).  Typically, gold would present itself with royalty.  Certainly, the King of Kings would deserve such a cherished gift.  Frankincense was an incense.  This was not typically used in every-day life back in Jesus' time, but was used more as a worship incense for gods.  As Jesus was God on Earth, it was only fitting for frankincense to be a gift.

Yet, the gift that stands out at both Christmas and Easter is Myrrh.  Myrrh had many uses.  Many of them would have a direct correlation to Jesus as The Chosen One.  Myrrh was used as a medicinal oil at times, but the greater use seems to have been as an anointing oil.  Myrrh was used to prepare the temple before sacrifices were made, being placed on the alters and the priests.  We can certainly see the correlation there, that Myrrh would be given to Jesus, who would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Later, we see Myrrh as Jesus' death.  It presents itself, mixed with wine, the Jesus refuses to drink.

We see Myrrh now being offered possibly as medicinal, to help with the pain.  Yet, Jesus refuses that, as he suffered ALL the pain for our sins, he labored through ALL the suffering for our transgressions.  He wasn't going to take anything that would have ebbed any of the pain and suffering he was experiencing.  He was sent to this Earth, and received the gift of the anointing oil of Myrrh at his birth as a foretell of the sacrificial lamb He was for us all.

Jesus' birth at Christmas and all that was present draws many strong connections to Easter.  God had such purpose for Jesus' life on Earth, obviously the greatest being his death for our sins.  Everything Jesus endured, even the way he entered this life, had meaning and purpose.  I encourage all of us to reflect on the purpose that God has for our lives.  What has He provided to each one of us to live out the life He has given to us?  During this Advent season, may we dig deep to find our purpose and live it every day.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the connections you provide to us from Christmas to Easter.  Myrrh had many different uses, yet we can certainly see this strongly as an anointing oil used before sacrifices, as you came to Earth to give the ultimate sacrifice.  May we reflect on your purpose and seek to find our purpose that you have provided to us.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen~

  

Cloths of Christmas and Easter

 

As I reflected what to write on this Advent season, I thought I would share the similarities between Christmas and Easter.  Yes, they both involved Jesus, but there are other poignant similarities that were shared on both of these sacred historical events.  Today, let us focus on the cloths.

Every vision I have of Jesus being born is the swaddling cloths that Jesus was wrapped in by Mary.  Many of us mothers can certainly relate to swaddling a blanket around our babies, ensuring their sense of security and warmth as they transition from the womb to the world.  Mary was no different.   In Biblical times, swaddling  cloths were many times strips of linen that were wrapped around the newborn child.   As Mary's baby was born, she wrapped him in cloths to lay him in the manger.  She also provided him security, warmth, and the transition.  In Jesus' case, His transition was so much more as he lowered himself to Earth for us.

As we move forward 33 years, we see cloths being used for a completely different reason for Jesus.  

 

In this case, Jesus is now wrapped up in strips of linen once again.  Yet, not for security and warmth, but upon his death.  The custom of wrapping a body who had died in cloths with spices is part of the Jewish custom.  The cloths that had once wrapped Jesus when he was born are seen once again as he died on the cross for all of our sins.  Swaddling cloths are used to keep the baby confined upon birth.  We know from scripture that the cloths used to wrap Jesus' body upon his death could not confine him.

"He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head.  The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen." (John 20: 6-7).  The linens were there, but Jesus was not.

The cloths of Christmas and Easter provide us a wonderful image of Jesus.  Upon Jesus' birth, he shows us that he is like any other infant in need of swaddling cloths.  Upon Jesus' death, he shows us that he is our Mighty Lord, breaking the bonds of the burial linens to rise from the dead.  As we enter this Advent season, may we draw on Jesus' strength and love.  Peace~

Dearest Jesus, thank you for the beautiful images of the cloths used in your birth and death.  Your love for us has you leaving your heavenly home for earth.  May we hold close to the security the cloths provide for us - as you hold us close to you like swaddling cloths and as the cloths laid in the empty tomb for our salvation. Amen~~

Wonderfully Made

 

About a month ago, I woke up to a "frost on the pumpkin" kind of morning.  There was a glaze of frost on our deck and you could see the frost glistening on the lawn.  It's always such a pretty time of the day.  As I sipped my coffee on the deck that chilly morning, I turned around to see a spider web that had been "frosted".  It actually looked like I had taken string to make a spider web for Halloween!  It was so beautiful.  It was so wonderfully made by one of God's smallest creatures.  

I am always amazed at God's smallest of creatures.  The ant who has such strength although so small.  The spider who can build such beauty although so small.  The bee who brings pollen to buds for nourishment although so small.  These smallest of God's creations brings forward such incredible works during their lives.

There are days when I feel very small, like these small creatures.  It could be something someone said to me, accomplishments others have that I may be envious of, a failed relationships, or a situation that for another reaped great benefits and for me fell short.  Are there times in your life where you have felt small?  Where maybe you felt like you haven't "measured up"?

It is times like this that our verse for today is so very powerful.  God made each of us - each ant, each spider, each bee and, more importantly, each one of us!  God knitted our DNA to ensure we were one of a kind.  Just like the smallest of each of His creatures, we each have a wonderful purpose on this world - one given to us by God.  God only makes incredible goodness and that includes each of us.  

Although there may be times in our lives where we feel small and insignificant, God is there with this wonderful verse to remind us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made.  His purpose for our life can be seen in the gifts and talents He has given to us.  We may fall short in our eyes, but we never fall short in God's eyes.  He loves us more than we can imagine and He provides for us all that we need.  When we may be seeing ourselves as 'small', God sees us as 'great'.  If someone needs to see me as great - I certainly want it to be God!  

During this Thanksgiving holiday, may we be reminded not just of all that we HAVE but of all that we ARE, made with God's hands.  May we thank Him for his grace and mercy, for His patience and forgiveness, and for his love.  On the days when we may feel as small as a spider, let us remember that we are God's wonderful creations - here for His purpose of sharing God's love.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Heavenly Father, during this Thanksgiving, may we be reminded of all you have given to us.  We know that everything comes from your hands.  May our praises of joy and thanks be heard loud and clear.  Help us to remember we have been created by the Great Creator.  We are not small in your eyes - let our hearts reflect that.  In your loving name I pray, Amen!

Hands

 

I looked down at my hands and noticed some things I hadn't noticed before - they looked old.  Let's quantify this - I fully understand I am not a young spring chicken.  Yet, when I looked at them the first thing I thought of was my grandmother.  Her hands always looked "old".  What was I noticing?  My hands have creases and wrinkles all over them.  There are some age spots showing through my skin.  As I turned my hands over, there was a callus or two.  Wow - they were hands that looked like they had weathered the storm.

As I thought about my hands, I realized that they had weathered the storm.  These hands have cooked too many meals to count.  They have held babies and worked in the garden.  They have held other hands in prayer and have patted backs on a job well done.  My hands have held the face of my husband and have felt my own tears.  These hands have also been clenched in anger and have clapped with joy.  What about your hands?  What memories are your hands holding?  What storm have your hands weathered?  I'm sure all of us have held the weight of our lives in our hands at least once or twice.

"He's Got The Whole World in His Hands", was always a favorite childhood song.  Whenever I would hear it, I pictured God holding the entire world in safety, much like the picture below.

I'm not sure of where your life has you at this moment, but I know I NEED this picture more than ever.  The safety of the world being held in God's hands gives me the peace that I need to move throughout each day.  Though troubles may be with us and around us, and we may feel as if we are in the "depths of the earth", God is holding us in His hands.  Are we on top of the mountain?  God has us in His hands there as well.  

Although our hands may have seen much in our lives, God's hands have been with us each moment of each day, holding us up, providing us nourishment, piecing together the troubles we are facing, ensuring we are truly never alone in our lows and highs, all cradled in His love.  He doesn't just hold you and me in those hands, but each person on this earth.  He truly has the whole world in His hands.  There are people all over this beautiful earth God created.  We ALL need his hands of love, each and every day.

The next time you look at your hands, think of the One that is holding them in love.  Knowing that God has us in His hands should give us the strength to use our hands to help each other.  Hands to make a meal or help a neighbor with a project.  Hands to hold with another in prayer.  May our hands be a reflection of God's hands.

Heavenly Father, thank you for always holding me in your hands.  I pray that as I go about my days, that my hands give to others as you have given your hands to me.  In your holy and loving name I pray, Amen!