Two days till Christmas. I hear murmurings that this season of Advent leading up to Christmas just doesn’t feel as jolly or within the norm of holiday tidings of the past. I’ve pondered over why that might be because if I am honest, I am a bit in a lull of “getting into the spirit of Christmas” this season as well. Some have said that due to such a late Thanksgiving the plunge into preparing Advent and Saint days came upon us too quickly. Others attribute it to a stressful year in politics where the joy of humanity being forgiving, peace-loving, and showing decent kindness during this time of year have been marred by discourse and opposition among neighbors. I don’t doubt it’s a mix of both.
Though we may feel that we were robbed of extra Christmas joy this season, it doesn’t change the story. As we drove through a local neighborhood to view lights, there were a few lawns with white-plywood cutouts of the Christmas journey. There were Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, the shepherds tending their sheep, the wise men on their journey. There was active progression to the arrival of Christ. It reminded me that this journey unfolded in the midst of political turmoil, discourse, and even dissension among nations. When hope seemed on the verge of being lost, God intervened and placed his holy self in the womb of a girl; a girl who would faithfully accept the role of the mother of God, Savior, and King of all nations.
Though the state of humanity repeats itself throughout history with the need for power, control, pride, hope never ceases to pierce though animosity to plant itself among the broken to restore life. The true heart of Christmas doesn’t cease just because we don’t feel as merry as in past years. Mary, though young, somehow knew the depth of this truth and hope and embraced it on behalf of us all. She accepted not so that she would be great, but rather so God would be magnified, peace would be made known, mercy to be given and our journey put back on track towards the one who would save us. I imagine in some way, perhaps God-inspired, she could see beyond the present times and into the future. As she grabbed hold of this call, one that could ostracize and leave her outcast, she took a step of faith on behalf of all humanity. This same inspiration can compel us this Christmas. If you find yourself feeling a little less than hope-filled and jolly this season, may you be encouraged to remember Mary’s quiet and humble act of faith that changed the course of history and humanity. Her reception of the call to birth salvation is still present this Christmas and should move us to rejoice with Great Joy. That same calling is birthed within us as we remember the power of Emmanual, God with us, and Christ in us.
I write this to wish you a Christmas filled with hope and a reminder that not all is lost. Feeling all the happiness of Christmas songs, Hallmark movies, cookies, parties don’t make Christmas feel more present on earth. In fact, they detract from the truest heart of Christmas. May Mary’s song of praise after accepting Christ in her, be your praise this Christmas. As you awake Christmas morning, I pray you are reminded that you too have received a call to live with Christ in you, and it has the power to change the world around us, to bring peace, joy, and love–it is the hope of glory.
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
A Special Thank You
Dear Friends,
Thank you for journeying along the wandering way with me this past year. I thank God that you took my hand and walked with me. In many ways starting this blog has been a huge leap of faith in which I wrestle with God daily to have the courage to write. For those of you who pray for me, I am ever so grateful to you. For those of you struggling to find the courage to step into areas in your life that cause you fear and anxiety, may I encourage you to stay true to Abba, he is steadfast and unfailing in keeping his promises to be with us in all seasons and trials. He often reminds us to be strong and courageous because he knows we struggle and he wants to move us forward into his goodness. You are precious to me. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Thanks be to God,
Elizabeth
