I know it seems early, but we are fast-approaching the season of Advent, which leads up to the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, it is quite challenging to find just one theme or idea to think on at this time. We have the word, “advent,” which has multiple definitions, i.e. “a coming into place, view, or being; arrival,” or “the coming of Christ into the world.” We have a theme of “birth,” which also has multiple definitions, i.e. “an act or instance of being born,” or “any coming into existence; origin; beginning.” We also frequently hear the word “miracle,” which can be defined as: “such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God,” or “one that excites admiring awe.” What strikes me deeply is how powerfully-connected these few words are to our appreciation of Christmas. We understand the feeling of expectation brought on by the arrival of Christ – it is woven throughout the Bible in the prophetic tales of the coming Messiah. And, each one of us has experienced the “coming into existence” that happened upon our own births. Finally, we are certainly awestruck by the multiple miracles that came into being following that first miracle of Christ-child’s virgin birth. Think on this, however: As interconnected as these three words are to our thoughts on Christmas, we now have other themes that clamor loudly and quite forcefully for our attention during this very holy time of the year. We are bombarded with advertisements telling us that we MUST have this item or that in order to be happy. We MUST buy this toy for our child or we’ll be bad parents. We MUST spend beyond our means for things that, in the end, are simply not miraculous. Am I thrilled to have something like the computer I am typing on (or TV, iPod, cell phone, etc.)? Honestly, yes, because these things do make my life easier and more enjoyable. Can I call these things “miraculous?” In a sense, possibly – because it is amazing that technology has advanced to where it is today. BUT, is it miraculous in the sense that it will bring us to new life in the Kingdom of Heaven? Absolutely not! So, when we are looking at those miracles that make our lives easier here on earth, let us not forget the Miracle(with a capital M) that ensures our everlasting life with our Father. Let us not be blindsided by the “promises” of material comfort so much that we neglect to spend time celebrating the spiritual comfort we are so mercifully and miraculously given by the birth of our Savior. Add Comment When Americans think of “discovery,” especially when we are still in grade school, we often think of Christopher Columbus. And though we now understand that Columbus didn’t actually “discover” America, we still have a holiday that celebrates his “discovery” of the new world. With this theme of discovery in mind, I wanted to spend some time looking at what discovery means for Christians (as well as all other believers in God, Creator, Higher Power, etc.). Can you remember when you “discovered” God for the first time? Or the first time you discovered the power of the Holy Spirit moving in your life? Or the life-changing discovery of the gift of your salvation? Were you truly discovering something that was previously unknown in this world? Honestly, no. But it was new to you! I think this is an amazing aspect of discovery. Though we may feel like we’re making an incredible discovery of something new in OUR lives, we really are simply becoming aware of something that already existed, but we just didn’t know it before. Think on some of the greatest discoveries of the ages: We now have a better understanding of the universe around us thanks to astronomical science. And biologists are discovering new and unusual life in remote areas even to this day. Consider, too, the oxygen in the air we breathe – it wasn’t “discovered” until the 1700s, but obviously, it was still in the air. And think on the amazing discoveries made by Einstein and present-day physicists. All of these discoveries are things that still exist even though we couldn’t previously see, understand, or explain them – our lack of comprehension didn’t mean they weren’t still there. And, what is undoubtedly our greatest, most life-impacting “discovery,” God existed long before we met Him for the first time and is the source of all we will ever discover. So, the next time we experience the excitement of a new discovery, let us use it as an opportunity to rediscover our Creator God and lift up praise and thanks to Him for revealing to us more of His creation. Go out and discover God!!! Thoughts on Giving Thanks: One of this season’s most thoughtful holidays is Thanksgiving Day. Many of us will take this day and the time leading up to it as an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of our lives. Some of these blessings are seemingly simple, every day gifts, such as the clothes we wear. Some are life-changing, like the miracle of life. I know that I have said prayers of thanks in the past for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, etc. At times we may even struggle to give thanks due to challenges we experience, but more often than not, we are still able to find something to be thankful for. But as I ponder what it means to give thanks, I became aware that there is yet another way to give thanks other than saying the words or praying with gratitude. We can actually give of ourselves in a way that brings life to thankfulness and gratitude in others. Think on this: When we offer assistance to a friend in need, when we invite a stranger into our lives, or when we sacrifice our comfortable routine and spend our free time in service to our community, we are creating an opportunity for others to give thanks as well. What a gift this is! When reading 1 Thessalonians 5:18 with this type of thanks giving in mind, this scripture takes on even greater meaning: "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) My understanding of this scripture already compels me to give thanks to God at all times for all things He has brought into my life, whether I understand them or not. However, I also believe this scripture calls on us to live our lives in a way of service that encourages others to also give thanks. Think what this type of thanks giving would mean for our earthly existence as we model ourselves into Christ’s likeness. People cannot help but be transformed when they are thankful. Let us go and GIVE thanks! | AuthorNancy Good ArchivesOctober 2011 CategoriesAll |
RSS Feed