Grief is a funny thing. (funny, as in odd) Saturday, was a jolly day with decorating, family time, and game time. The next day, Sunday, I was tired; and after church and lunch, I was missing my mom, our home place, and my dad. Sometimes, I miss one stronger than the other for whatever reason. That day, it was Mom. I went through every room of the home place in my mind. I want to have the memories for the rest of my life, so I allowed myself to play those places and some memories over in my head. I thought of sad times and happy times. When grief strikes, it’s not always a fun or comfortable place to allow yourself to go, but I have found that when grief trudges up these feelings it’s usually best to allow yourself access, and pray about anything that you may need to talk about with the Lord…because remember…He cares about every detail of our life. Once, I allowed myself that time, to think, pray, and grieve with tears, I felt a little lighter.
Life is also a funny thing. This life is a gift. And the grief can indicate a life that was filled with love. I understand that there are different angles from which grief can strike, but for what I am referring to, it is because of the great love that was gifted to me. That love is part of my heritage. Was it all rosy? Of course, not; but it was beautiful and a part of my history.
Also a part of my history, is my Christian heritage. My mom took me to church to learn about Jesus…His birth, death, and resurrection. I am so grateful that I was born in a free country to a mother who believed the greatest story ever told…and passed it down to me.
This story of The Messiah, born to redeem His people affected the lives of all who came into contact with Him at the time of His birth. His birth was far-reaching when it occurred…
“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.””
Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.2.1-2.NLT
…and continues to be far-reaching today…some 2000 years later! This story can affect us as it did the wise men if we will allow access. They watched for the coming Messiah. They saw the sign of the star. They searched for Him, and they found Him. They worshipped Him, and they gave Him gifts. If we are wise, we will do the same…we will take note of evidence of Him. We will search for Him…and for sure, if we search for Him, we will find Him. [“Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” James 4:8 NLT] We will worship Him, and we will bring Him gifts by our actions and our words toward Him and others. We will watch for Him…not only as evidence and confirmation of His working in our lives, but also, for His return, that we might be ready.
It’s hard to fathom that His story—His history—includes us today. My life still reflects my parents, although they have gone on to their Heavenly home. As a matter of fact, after Dad passed, Steve told my mom something along the lines, “As long as she’s (pointing at me) still here, he is, too,” because it was pretty apparent to him (and Mom) that I was “just like him.” ( By the way, I took that as a compliment. -insert smiley face- ) And, if I will allow Jesus to shine through, my life can reflect Him still today as well. What a privilege to be a part of His story—His history.
Sometimes, the things going on around the world look bleak, and we may analyze our being here at this time in history; however, the bottom line that keeps us from looking any further is that we are here “for just such a time as this.”
In the Bible, Queen Esther had a difficult task before her. She could enter the king’s court and risk losing her life, or she could keep quiet…and possibly still die along with her family and people. She took the risk after fasting and praying.
“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.””
Esther 4:13-16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/est.4.13-15.NLT
She was at that place and that time for a reason…as are we here at this place and time in history for a reason. We don’t have to get caught up in the why or the what-we-are-supposed-to-do, as I have spent far too much time doing in the past. We just need to be aware of the privilege to carry on the torch of Christ—of Christmas—right here and right now. Spreading love and joy and peace into whatever arena we enter by our actions and our words.
What better time to be a reflection of His light than at Christmas. But don’t let Christmas be a time chiseled out alone. Let it be the start of a lifestyle that continues year round, and is simply amplified at Christmas when the spotlight is already on Him, and the excuses for giving are free.
Don’t be discouraged in the trying and failing. When we simply make up our minds to do something, we may try and fail; but the recognition of “I can’t, but He can” is the key. We just need to be an open vessel for His love to flow through. In and of myself, I continue to fail, but in surrender of the fact that only through Him can I actually reflect Him properly, I can be more successful in my endeavors.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.13.NLT
Cause for celebration—and excitement? Absolutely! First, we are not in this alone. And, second, we are a part of His story…the greatest story every told because He came for that purpose…that you and I might, through His divine grace and intervention, become a part of His history.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 