Christmas

gifts – giving, getting and re-gifting

Posted on by Grace Day

In this season of gift giving, we are once again faced with the question of what we do with the gifts we receive. Would we ever not open a gift given to us? If nothing else, wouldn’t curiosity win out? I don’t think I could leave a present unopened – I would want to know what’s inside. But what does actually happen to my Christmas gifts?

Do some get set aside to be opened later when I have more time? Does the gift then get buried under various other things and end up forgotten and unopened due to being out of sight? Or do I determine that I know what it is by its shape and size, decide I don’t want what I think it is and therefore don’t open it for that reason. How many gifts every year are given, received and never opened?

Or having opened my gift, do I reject it for whatever reason? Do I throw it away, give it away, (re-gifting is the appropriate term) or do I relegate said gift to storage in an attic, basement or closet, never to be seen or thought about again. Or maybe I am happy to receive the gift and have plans to put it to good use, whatever that might be. But I never take it out of the box and actually use it or wear it or enjoy it. I let my gift sit on the shelf taking up space and collecting dust.

When I overlook, under appreciate or refuse to receive a gift, do I realize what I am doing to my relationship with the giver of the gift? Maybe I am not aware of the time, effort or sacrifice the giver of the gift put into his present. I wonder if that’s how my Heavenly Father feels about my reaction to His gift to me, the gift of His Son. Certainly this gift required quite a bit of sacrifice on God’s part. In fact, it is a very costly gift that you and I have been given. I tend to forget just how much was required of Jesus –

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8)

God provided the sacrifice for my sin. That’s God’s free gift to me, given in the form of a baby in a manger, a baby who would grow up to be the Christ on the cross. God gave me a Savior, a Redeemer, Someone to rescue me from certain death and instead give me eternal life! This gift of Jesus is exactly what I need and exponentially more than I deserve. Why would I not receive this gift with joy and gratitude?

I don’t want to overlook God’s gift of His Son. I don’t want to reject Jesus or to refuse to make room for Him in my life. I don’t want to relegate Jesus to a place on a shelf in a closet somewhere out of sight and therefore out of mind. No, Advent is about me preparing a place of honor and prominence in my heart and in my life for the coming King, God’s gift to me and to this weary world. Advent is about me realizing and remembering what this gift cost God. It cost Him everything. God gave us Himself. His Presence with us.

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel – which means ‘God with us.’ ” (Matthew 1:23)

Advent is here. Time for me to clear away the clutter of lesser things and to make room to receive the King of Kings who is my King, my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Shepherd – God’s gift, given to me so that I might live.

“I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

May I make room to receive God’s gift all over again this Advent season .

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

“Let every heart prepare Him room”

sincerely, Grace Day

dandelions understand Advent

Posted on by Grace Day

People, including myself, are always trying to kill dandelions. Dandelions aren’t paranoid. People are actually out to get them. I know this because I used to be one of those people. I have paid big bucks in the past to have dandelions eradicated from my yard. In other words, I am guilty of hiring a hit man to take out my dandelions. (without success as you now know from previous posts) BUT – in an unforeseen plot twist – what if dandelions are actually the good guys, not the bad guys, aka dangerous weeds. There are those who want us to believe that dandelions are damaging and therefore dangerous.

BUT – this is far from the truth. As it turns out, dandelions have been undeservedly given a bad name. In fact, in my previous research, I discovered that dandelions are actually good for the soil in which they grow. They break up compacted soil and their presence invites other vegetation in which is good.

Specifically, here’s how dandelions boost soil health. Their deep tap roots aerate the soil, making channels for air and water, which make it easier for other plants to grow along with them. Dandelions are food for beneficial bugs and pollinators like bees and butterflies. Dandelions are also edible and have medicinal uses for humans. Dandelions are rich in potassium which helps many other plants and their deep roots pull other nutrients to the soil’s surface, which benefits and attracts other plants. Because of their deep roots, dandelions also help to prevent erosion.

I could go on and on, but this is an Advent post, not a gardening post or a save the dandelion’s post. So what’s the connection to Advent? Well, one could say dandelions are a gift from God. They are beautiful, good for the earth and good for humans. But we reject this gift from God. We even try to kill His gift of dandelions. Are you seeing any similarities to other gifts we receive, or refuse to receive, as the case may be, from God?

This is particularly apparent in the case of God’s most personal, most precious gift to us of His only Son, Jesus. To say that Jesus was not well received is kind of an understatement. The world made no room at all to receive God’s gift, which is why Jesus was born in a stable surrounded by animals. Why wasn’t God’s gift received with the joy, thankfulness and celebration that normally accompany the advent or arrival of a long-desired gift?

Could it be the “packaging” and the “delivery” (pun intended) of the gift weren’t what the Israelites had hoped for, weren’t what they expected and definitely weren’t what they wanted. They had been promised a Messiah, a Deliverer, a Savior – one who would set them free. The Israelites were currently enslaved and oppressed under Roman rule. So they were expecting a person with worldly status and power, a rich ruler/military type person of high rank, a king, a prince, to be the one God would send to rescue them from their current plight.

So you can see why no one paid any attention to a child born to a poor young couple in an obscure village. They were expecting God’s gift to be delivered in a palace with much pomp and fanfare among the political and religious rulers of the day announcing the arrival of God’s gift. Actually, there was much fanfare on the night of Jesus’s birth. But the important, powerful people of the day were not involved. The elite were not the ones who received the good news nor the ones who made the birth announcement to the world.

That honor went to the angels, who did the announcing and to the shepherds who did the receiving of this long-awaited gift from God. The birth announcement occurred on the hillsides surrounding Bethlehem, where the shepherds were watching over their sheep, far from the places and the palaces of power and influence. All of heaven was rejoicing that the gift had been given, but earth was having a little trouble receiving God’s gift.

“He (Jesus) came to that which was HIs own, but His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)

Jesus, like the dandelions of today, was not received with enthusiasm and thankfulness, and often was outright rejected.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:22)

But simply rejecting Jesus, refusing God’s gift, wasn’t enough for some people. There were those who wanted Jesus killed.

” . . . an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child (Jesus) and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ . . . When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” (Matthew 2:13 & 16)

Now you see why I think dandelions definitely understand Advent and all the intrigue that accompanied Jesus’s arrival or Advent here on earth. Herod may have been the first to try to kill Jesus, but he wasn’t the last. The religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees, were constantly out to get Jesus. Just like the dandelions of today, people wanted Jesus dead.

And there came a time when they thought they had succeeded. They crucified Jesus and laid Him in a tomb. It appeared they had destroyed God’s gift. BUT – three days later the tomb was empty and Jesus was once more with His disciples. Jesus had come back to life! That is just like my dandelions, who keep returning even after I not only reject them but openly persecute them and try to kill them. The miracle of new life, eternal life – that is the gift of God, given to you and to me in the person of His Son, Jesus.

“And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

Why would I not accept God’s gift of Jesus, along with all of God’s other good gifts such as forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, redemption, salvation, His Holy Spirit presence and on and on – the list is long.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Jesus, the first and foremost of all God’s good and perfect gifts, has been given. Advent – the time to celebrate God’s gift with thanksgiving!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Dandelions understand what it is to be an underappreciated, rejected, persecuted gift. That’s probably why they understand Advent so well. This Advent season, I want to be sure I am truly grateful for the miracle gift from God of His Son, Jesus. Miracles are always worth celebrating. May this Advent be a season of celebration!

sincerely, Grace Day

dandelions declare victory!

Posted on by Grace Day

Dandelions are my heroes! Long live dandelions! Never thought I’d say that, but I’m saying it now. We have had below freezing temperatures here and even some snow BUT – I was again picking both yellow and silver fuzz dandelions out of my front yard yesterday – in December! Do dandelions ever die? I thought the cold weather would kill them but apparently it’s had no effect whatsoever. It must be the dandelion’s deep roots that sustain them during these decidedly adverse conditions of winter.

That’s why dandelions are my new heroes. Dandelions persevere. They don’t give up. Dandelions not only defy death, but they continue to multiply even when other plants have gone dormant. Just when I think I’ve won the war, just when I think it’s over, the dandelions make a comeback. That’s what’s happened in my yard. I thought I had defeated the dandelions, but they are proving me wrong day after day with their new yellow blooms and silver fluff balls continuing to mysteriously appear in my yard as if by magic.

At this point in the war, I am not only willing to call a truce, I am willing to concede my loss and declare the dandelions are the victors. And not only the victors but as I said, perhaps my new role models. If the dandelions can survive and thrive in their adverse conditions, then certainly I can too. I just need to take a lesson from their playbook – I need to have really deep roots, so when tough times come bringing drought, depression, despair, darkness, doubt – I won’t be shaken. My faith will remain not only intact, but strong and growing. Jeremiah describes exactly this kind of person –

“But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

I think Jeremiah could have said – “He will be like a dandelion” and it would still ring true! Another description of those with deep roots is given to us by the psalmist when he said –

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.’ ” (Psalm 92:12-15)

It’s all about how deep the roots go, I guess. Roots are beneath the surface. You don’t see them but when the time is right, they produce something visible, something beautiful when you least expect it, when you believed everything to be beyond hope because you believed it to be dead.

The Israelites endured four hundred years of God’s silence. After the last of God’s prophets passed on, there was no one left to speak a new word to God’s people. There was only silence. No new word from God. Only the echo of the old words, the old promises made, promises still unfulfilled, promises of a Messiah, of a Savior who would arise out of seeming nothingness to rescue His people from their desperate plight. Isaiah alluded to this hope saying –

“A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord – and He will delight in the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:1-3)

Did you catch that? – from roots will come a fruit bearing Branch. Fruit bearing means life giving. Paul quotes Isaiah in Romans saying this about “God’s root” –

“And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.’ ” (Romans 15:12)

These prophesies are talking about the birth of Jesus, who is a descendant of Jesse, who is the father of David. Roots remain and give life. After four hundred years of silence and darkness, this root gave rise to the promised new life of the Messiah – Jesus. (and you thought this wasn’t an Advent post) When roots remain, new life will come again. That’s what we are celebrating at Christmas – that in the middle of the darkness, when everything appeared dead- when the Israelites were doubting God, thinking He had forgotten His promise to send them a Savior – new life entered in.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ” (John 8:12)

That’s the message of Advent – the root has come to life and has given life to you and to me and to all who will receive God’s gift – the Root of Jesse – Jesus Christ.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

sincerely, Grace Day

Abraham’s Advent

Posted on by Grace Day

Abraham had an Advent experience that foreshadowed what would actually take place centuries later, the advent or arrival of God’s Son here on earth. Abraham’s experience occurred when God gave Abraham these very specific instructions –

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’ ” (Genesis 22:2)

Abraham obeyed God. He and Isaac set out on their journey toward the appointed place. As they got closer to their destination, this conversation took place between father and son,

” ‘The fire and the wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.” (Genesis 22:7-8)

Abraham trusted God to provide what was needed – a lamb for the necessary sacrifice. And God did just that. Abraham was preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as God had told him to do but –

“But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son.’ Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’ ” (Genesis 22:11-14)

God provided the ram for the sacrifice required of Abraham at that time. Centuries later God would again provide what was needed, what we needed, just as He had done for Abraham. This time God provided a lamb for the sacrifice for our sin, mine and yours. BUT – the Lamb that God provided was the perfect sacrifice, good for all people for all time. No further sacrifice for sin will ever be needed again. This perfect, spotless Lamb necessary for the required sacrifice for our sin was none other than God’s own Son, Jesus. We read in John –

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” (John 1:29)

Abraham told his son, “God Himself will provide the lamb”, and God has provided the lamb, His own Lamb, His one and only Lamb, to be the sacrifice for my sin, the only acceptable sacrifice for my sin. His name is Jesus. This is why Jesus’s birth is worthy of celebration – we rejoice that God has at last provided the Lamb who is able to pay our sin price in full, allowing us to be reconciled to our Creator God.

“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

Abraham experienced God’s perfect provision for his need at just the right time, which saved Isaac’s life in God’s perfect timing. Likewise, God’s provision of Jesus to all of humankind, to you and to me, is also in God’s perfect timing and saves our lives from an otherwise certain and eternal death.

“But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

“God sent His Son, born of a woman . . .” – that’s what we are celebrating at Christmas – God’s provision of His Lamb for the atonement of our sin! The best gift ever! That’s the Good News of Advent – God Himself has provided the Lamb!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

God provided the sacrifice for Abraham. God has also provided the sacrifice for my sin and for your sin, dear readers. That’s the Good News – the Atonement of Advent. The angel proclaimed this news to the shepherds saying –

” ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’ ” (Luke 2:10-14)

I needed a Savior and God provided One for me – His One and only Son, Jesus! The angel confirmed this to Joseph saying –

“She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

The Atonement of Advent – the sacrificial Lamb of God – who in a breath-taking plot twist is also the King of Kings and Lord of Lords –

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Abraham’s Advent experience is my Advent experience today – the Lord has provided the necessary sacrifice for my sin. Thank You Heavenly Father for Your provision, the birth of Your Son, Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

sincerely, Grace Day

no room in my inn

Posted on by Grace Day

Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn.

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7)

God was giving the world a gift, a precious gift, His Son. But the world couldn’t be bothered to make room to receive God’s gift. Unbelievable!

“He (Jesus) came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)

But is the situation any different with us today? God is still offering the gift of His Son to each and to every one of us. But is there anyone willing to receive what God is offering? Is anyone preparing a place for Jesus, so Jesus won’t be relegated to sharing space with animals in their shelter. Is anyone preparing to receive Jesus and give Him a place of honor and prominence in their lives? Am I preparing a place for Him? John says this about those of us who do receive God’s gift –

“Yet to all who received Him, (Jesus) to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

God has given mankind a wonderful, merciful, life changing, life giving gift – His Son, Jesus. And included in this gift is the opportunity to become part of an eternal family, to become His children. John explains it this way –

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3)

What a gift God has given us in His Son, Jesus! If you and I choose to receive this gift from God, we receive unspeakable riches. We are adopted into His family, we become beloved children for eternity.

“For those God foreknew, He also predestined, to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29)

And as God’s dearly loved children, you and I are given hope – hope that we will see Him and we will be like Him when He appears. That’s the hope of the second Advent, or second coming. We are gifted this hope even as we now celebrate Christ’s first Advent, Christ’s first appearance on earth as a baby born in a lowly stable.

That first Christmas there was no room in the inn. God’s people were unprepared to receive the Messiah they had been promised, the Messiah they had been waiting for, the Messiah they had been desiring for so many centuries.

This advent season, I have to again examine myself, to see if indeed I am prepared to receive God’s gift. Is there room in the inn of my life, to receive God’s gift of the Christ child all over again – because this gift truly is a continuing gift – “His mercies are new every morning.” Or have my heart and my life become so overcrowded, so filled with lesser things that there is no room left for God’s gift of Himself?

No wonder a popular Christmas carol says, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” That’s what I need to be doing during this time of Advent – making room to receive God’s gift – preparing a place for the Christ Child to make His home, because He came to stay. He came to abide, to dwell, to enter into my life and into the life of anyone who will receive Him as God’s gift.

When the promised Messiah comes to make His home with me, I don’t want Him to find that there is no room for Him in my inn. I want Him to find that all the clutter has been cleared out. I want Him to find the doors open wide in welcoming anticipation of His arrival, so that He may freely enter in to my inn and make His home with me. I echo the psalmist words –

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

sincerely, Grace Day

my wish list

Posted on by Grace Day

It’s that time of year again – time to create wish lists for Santa. I don’t actually do this anymore, but as a young child you can be sure I put a lot of thought and effort into compiling a list of items I desired so that I would be prepared for my yearly meeting with Santa. I didn’t expect to receive every toy on my list, but I felt Santa needed some guidance in order to know the wishes of my heart. I never received all of the items on my wish list, BUT I always received toys, books, games, clothes etc. that I hadn’t thought to ask for, which nevertheless showed up under the Christmas tree anyway on Christmas morning. As it turns out, I enjoyed my surprise gifts as much or more than my requested gifts. Santa proved to be smarter and to know me better than I ever gave him credit for.

I have to admit though, my wish lists over the years haven’t been only for Santa Clause. My prayer life is often filled with “wish lists” for my Heavenly Father. Of course, He is wise enough not to give me everything I ask Him for, and He gives me many surprise gifts that I did not even think to ask Him for. It seems with my Heavenly Father, I ask too little, not too much. After all,

“He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within me,” (Ephesians 3:20)

And I never have to worry about what kind of gifts God will give me. I already know –

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

God gives only good and perfect gifts. He is the ultimate gift giver. As my Heavenly Father, He knows me perfectly inside and out. He knows what I need and what is best for me. That’s why He is the ultimate gift giver, always giving the perfect gift.

As a giver of gifts myself, especially at Christmas time, I am always searching for that perfect gift for each person on my list. It can be an agonizing task, as I always second guess myself and wonder if the recipient of my gift will like it or not. It is fitting that I find myself pondering gift giving and gifts at this Advent time of year. Jesus was God’s ultimate “good and perfect gift” to humankind on that first Christmas. With the gift of His Son, God set the gift giving bar pretty high. There’s been no gift since as life altering as God’s gift of His Son.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

A gift that rescues me from death and gives me eternal life – that’s a life changing, life giving, good and perfect gift!

But Jesus wasn’t God’s first life altering gift. I am reminded of Abraham’s encounter with God when God told Abraham this –

“After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’ ” (Genesis 15:1)

God Himself was Abraham’s reward or gift, “an exceeding great reward” to be exact. God’s Presence is the reward, always. It is not the things that I want God to give me. It is God’s Presence abiding with me that is the gift – the ultimate gift – the perfect gift – a gift that never runs out, wears out, gets broken, becomes outdated, is the wrong size, style or color, is useless or unwanted. No God’s presence is a gift that always fits perfectly and fills all the longings of my heart that I didn’t even know existed. God’s presence brings His peace, His comfort, His hope, His mercies, His joy, His provision, His protection, His guidance and wisdom and so much more. It is an infinite list because He is an infinite God. His Presence is a never-ending gift from a never-ending God.

God’s presence was with Adam and Eve in the garden, where God walked with them until their sin caused a separation, forcing them to leave the garden. Even so, God did not give up on relationship with us, we who are created in His image. He came to Abraham and called him out, saying –

“Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

God’s Presence went with Abraham on the journey. Likewise, God was present with His people, the Israelites, while they wandered in the desert and Moses refused to continue that journey without God’s presence.

“Then Moses said to Him (the Lord), ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?’ ” (Genesis 33:15-16)

What else indeed? It is God’s Presence that distinguishes His people, even today. Jesus knew this. Jesus said this to His disciples shortly before He was to leave earth and return to His place at the right hand of the Father.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:16-20)

That’s the gift of God’s Presence! Jesus is promising His disciples the gift of His Holy Spirit after He leaves. Jesus reaffirmed this again saying –

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

This sounds so familiar. Why? Perhaps it’s because Moses spoke similar words to Joshua about God’s Presence, saying-

“”Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

God’s all important, all sustaining, all sufficient Presence has been with us from the beginning. He was in creation and in the garden. He was there in the flood, in the desert, in the furnace, in the lion’s den, in the burning bush, in the parting sea, on the mountain top, in the valley, at the cross, at Pentecost. God’s gift to us is Himself – over and over and over again. He is our very great reward! Yours and mine.

As I enter again into another season of Advent, I am reminded all over again that this is the message of Christmas. Christ came, God’s gift to you and to me. Jesus came to give me and you the gift of Himself, born to die in my place and in your place, then gift me and you His Holy Spirit Presence, so that you and I will never be alone. God’s Holy Spirit carries out His promise to us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

God’s good and perfect gift is the giving of Himself – “I am your very great reward.” God’s Presence with me – that’s what I’m celebrating this Advent season.

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

God wants to be with me and with you, dear readers. I find that kind of astonishing really. But His word confirms this, so I know it is true. From the very beginning, our Creator has desired to have relationship with us. He created us in His image for this purpose. To this end, He gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus, whose birth we are preparing now to celebrate once again.

As I prepare to celebrate Christ’s first Advent, God is preparing me even now for His second Advent yet to come. And like the first Christmas, the second Advent, too, is all about the gift of God’s Presence – the gift of Himself.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, . . . Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1 & 3-4)

God’s Presence is His gift to me, my very great reward. Am I prepared to receive His gift this Advent season? Have I prepared a place for Him to enter in?

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

sincerely, Grace Day

packing away the party

Posted on by Grace Day

That’s what I’ve been doing during these dreary gray days following the birthday bash the world just threw for the baby in the manger – aka the King of kings, Creator of the universe, God’s Son, Jesus. As always, it was quite a celebration complete with lots of lights (inside and out), merry music nonstop, plenty of presents (thanks to out of control consumerism) fabulous food, including Christmas cookies of every kind and fruitcake? and dazzling decorations everywhere you looked. 

But when the cookies are all gone, the music goes silent, the lights go out, all the presents are unwrapped (no more surprises, no more anticipation) there is nothing left to do but to pack away all the decorations that adorned my home during this season of celebration that has now come to an end. I kind of get used to the Santas and the Nativities and the wreaths and the candles and the tree and the stockings etc. during the month of Advent. I become attached to them and so have been reluctant to pack them away again, even though the party is clearly over. They will leave empty spaces and I will miss them.

So I have procrastinated parting with them, packing them away a few at a time rather than all at once. (I guess this is the opposite of ripping the bandage off completely in one swift motion, rather than prolonging the pain by peeling it off slowly) I chose the latter, so my melancholy has been prolonged in this after the party month we call January. Now January is supposed to be the month of new beginnings and resolutions. That means looking forward, not backward. Perhaps this packing away of the party is painful precisely because it keeps me looking backwards? 

Still out are my Zambian Nativity, complete with added Santas and a striped Pixie, and my kitchen windowsill Nativity with Santa bowing at the manger and decor displaying the words “peace”, “joy” and “hope.” Those words aren’t just Christmas words. I want them to be part of my life everyday, not just on holidays or special occasions. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the angel did tell the shepherds – “I bring you glad tidings of great joy.” And of course, hope has been my word for the year two years running now and I see no reason to give it up for another word at this point. Hope is what keeps me going during the darkest, most difficult times. Hope is the light at the end of the tunnel, the anchor during the storm, the promise of what is to come.

As one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Because of Bethlehem” says about Jesus’s birth, “love is born, hope is here, . . . God with us all because of Bethlehem.” Jesus’s arrival here on earth brought hope for all mankind, hope for each and every one of us in every generation – hope for forgiveness and reconciliation with our Holy Creator God – hope for healing, redemption, restoration – hope for an eternal life with our Savior, Jesus. In fact, Jesus said to His disciples this - 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) 

Now that’s a reason to have hope! Jesus came – the reason for the party in the first place – and Jesus is coming back again to take me to be with Him. So today as I continue packing away the party, I think I’ll leave my “peace,” “joy” and “hope” words in my windowsill just a little while longer. I want to take these words with me into this new year. The birthday party may be over but the “after party” has just begun, and while it’s not as advertised and commercialized as the main event, the after party is an adventure, a daily adventure, worth pursuing.

We typically pack away the decorations when the party is over, but we don’t pack away the gifts we received and opened during the celebration. The gifts are ours to use and to enjoy long after the party has ended and been properly packed away. God gave you and me the gift of His only Son, Jesus. Jesus gives us His gifts of peace, joy and hope. I do not want to take these gifts for granted in this new year. Nor do I want to pack them away and forget about them. When I am anxious and sad and despairing, I want to remember that I have been given the gifts of peace, joy and hope. Gifts that I can take with me and experience new every day as I leave the celebration of Advent behind, but take Advent’s gifts with me into this new year. I will not make the mistake of packing away Jesus’s gifts of peace, joy and hope. Jesus told His disciples –

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

King David said this –

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” (Psalm 116:11)

And I love these words of Isaiah, which remind me just what hope in God does –

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

With God’s good gifts I can peacefully, joyfully soar on wings of hope in this new year! Impossible?

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ “ (Matthew 19:26) 

sincerely,  Grace Day 

     

the Communion table – a Christmas table

Posted on by Grace Day

The Communion table is a table of commemoration and a table of celebration. It is a table at which we are each invited to dine. Known for being a “Last Supper” kind of a table – the Communion table is a Christmas or an Advent table among the many other things that it also is. It is a Christmas table because we celebrate that Christ came, even as we simultaneously acknowledge that we are looking forward to His return.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

The Communion table is a Thanksgiving table.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

The Communion table is an Independence Day table.

“for we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)

Isaiah said he was sent to “proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

“it is for freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

The Communion table is a family table.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) 

The Communion table is a table of acceptance.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me, I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)

The Communion table is a table of provision.

“Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ “ (Genesis 22:8)

“and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The Communion table is a table of plenty.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.’ “ (John 6:35)

“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.” (Mark 6:42-43)

The Communion table is a table of promise.

” ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ’Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ “ (Isaiah 1:18)

The Communion table is a table of healing.

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) 

The Communion table is a table of hope.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.’ “ (John 11:25-26)

The Communion table is a table of infinite mercy. 

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103: 10-13)

The Communion table is a table of sacrifice.

“Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, . . . But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,” (Isaiah 53:4-5)

“Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

The Communion table is a table of redemption.

“and with Your blood You purchased men for God.” (Revelation 5:9)

The Communion table is a table of miracles.

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:6-7)

The Communion table is a table of victory.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? . . . thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

The Communion table is a table of life.

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

The Communion table is a table of love.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

“I am the Good Shepherd . . . and I lay down My life for the sheep. . . . No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” (John 10:14-18)

When we come to the Communion table, we are invited into Christmas, Thanksgiving, freedom, family, and acceptance. The Communion table is a place of provision, of plenty, of promise, of healing, of hope, of mercy, and of redemption. Communion is a meal made possible by sacrifice, specifically by the sacrificial gift God gave to us at Christmas, the gift of His only Son, Jesus, who became the perfect sacrifice for my sins and for your sins, who gave His life that you and I might live. 

The Communion table truly is a table of miracles, of victory over sin and death. It is a table full of life and of love. And miracle of miracles, you and I, and each and every person, have a seat at this table. We are invited to participate in the Communion that is the Lord’s Supper. The choice is ours. The Communion Table is open to all.

“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; (which is poured out for you – Luke 22:20) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

I am so grateful to be invited to participate in this Communion meal, a meal full of hope and of promise – the hope and promise I so long for as I enter into this new year –

sincerely,  Grace Day 

    

 

Advent’s aftermath

Posted on by Grace Day

The party is over. That’s right. The worldwide birthday party of the King has come to a close. The songs have all been sung, the candles blown out, the cake cut and consumed, the presents opened, the festive foods eaten and enjoyed, the party games have all been played and the party guests are now all gone home – leaving wrinkled wrapping paper, outdated decorations and an eerie silence in their wake. This celebration has definitely come to an end.

Which is why the aftermath of Advent feels so, . . . so, so something indescribably sad and empty. When the candles on the cake go out, all the good wishes and goodwill seem to evaporate with the smoke from the burnt out candles, leaving the party goers let down and longing to experience again the anticipation that fills Advent in those days leading up to the arrival of the guest of honor, who is Jesus, the Holy Child, the Messiah, the King of all kings. 

Advent’s aftermath is always a let down after the frenzy of excited preparation and the fun of participation in all the festivities that accompany the celebration of Christmas. But now what? If you are asking yourself this question in the aftermath of the month long party that we have all just attended in some way, at some time – you are not alone. Mary and Joseph experienced this post Advent pause after the initial celebration of Jesus’s birth.

Think about it. On the night of Jesus’s birth an angel appeared to the shepherds, bringing them “good news of great joy”, then the sky was filled with the celebration of heavenly hosts praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) 

After the angel’s appearance, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus for themselves and to worship Him. A special star even arose in celebration of Jesus’s birth, which would guide the Wise Men to the newborn King, because they desired to see Jesus for themselves and to worship Him. All of creation was rejoicing at God’s gift of His Son to mankind. But the celebration wouldn’t last.

Soon enough, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream to take Mary and Jesus and go to Egypt, because King Herod was searching for the newborn King, baby Jesus, with the intention of killing Him before He could rise to power. How quickly the situation turned from celebration and joy on the night of Jesus’s birth, to annihilation and fear in the months and years that followed. And this would not be the last time that human feelings and fortunes turned so completely and so quickly from worshiping Jesus to murdering Him.

Consider Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem years later, which is described in this way –

“When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, He sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!’ “ (Mark 11:9-10) 

This scene was quite a celebration of Jesus, it was an event full of joy and praise and hope. That’s why what happened just a few days later is so surprising. The same people who had been shouting “Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” were now shouting something quite different from before, something in direct opposition to their previous praises and shouts of joy. Their words of affirmation were replaced with words of condemnation, their joy replaced with misplaced anger. 

The crowd that had shouted “Hosanna!” so recently, was now shouting “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” in answer to Pilate’s question as to what should be done with Jesus. The crowd wanted Barabbas (a known murderer) released and they wanted Jesus crucified. How quickly this change of heart occurred! One day they welcomed Jesus in, the next day they demanded He be crucified.

So what will my own Advent aftermath look like? I made room, I prepared, I welcomed in the King of kings and Lord of lords with joy and expectation. The anticipation of Advent is over. The King has come. I let Him in. Will I let Him stay and make His home with me? Or will I allow the things of this world to crowd Him out? Will there again be no room in the inn or in my life for the One who gives me life and sustains my life? He has come to stay. Will I let Him make His home with me? His promise is offered to me and to you –

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) 

“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’ “ (John 14:23)

Let my heart prepare Him room, not a guest room which is temporary, but let my heart prepare Jesus a home, which is permanent. Jesus came to stay. He came to take up residence with those He came to rescue and redeem. (“those” being me and you, dear readers) Having prepared for His coming, I want now to move beyond Advent to the adventure of daily life lived in the presence and the power of Christ, the King of glory.

The birthday party may be over, the candles blown out – but the Light of the world is here to stay, to make His home with all who will receive Him. The aftermath of Advent is not the end – it is the beginning of the new life Jesus came to bring us, abundant and full. His mercies are new every morning and His supply of compassion, forgiveness, love and acceptance is infinite. Every day is a reason to celebrate with Jesus present. The “after Advent” party is just getting started and I don’t want to miss out. 

Lord, You say if I’ll let You in, You’ll make Your home with me. I’m counting on that as I open up my heart to You. In the aftermath of Advent, I don’t want to inadvertently push You out again. As the song says, “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

sincerely,  Grace Day 

 

   

Advent’s answer

Posted on by Grace Day

Who is this baby in the manger, that He makes the angels sing?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He makes the heavens ring?

Who is this baby in the manger, that wise men leave their homes?

That shepherds shout hosana, the King is on His throne!

Who is this baby in the manger, that the world should rejoice His birth?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He brings such joy to earth?

Who is this baby in the manger, so filled with truth and grace,

that Wise Men traveled long and far, just to behold His face? 

Who is this baby in the manger, that He fills our darkness with His light?

this baby who will one day heal the sick, and give the blind their sight?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He brings the world such love?

He’s the Holy King, the Prince of Peace, He’s the Son of God above!

His reign shall be forever, His kingdom know no end,

He will come in power and glory, when He comes to earth again.

Now I know the baby in the manger, I know why the angels sing,

They sing for the babe in the manger, who is Jesus, the Heavenly King! 

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)

sincerely,  Grace Day