“There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.” –Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Christmas is a time of joy.
We gather around the table in friendship and love.
For some, it means a full heart.
For some, it means an empty chair.
A chair where a loved one should be but isn’t.
What do you do in a season of joy when you have no joy?
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:11-12 NIV
Praise comes from gratitude.
Gratitude for a King who left His throne to dwell among us.
Who left deity for dirt.
Grandeur for the Garden.
For you.
For me.
Joy doesn't come from the absence of trouble but from the Presence of a Savior. Click To Tweet
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 NIV
When faced with the empty chair, I remember the empty tomb.
Christ-mas translated means Christ Mission.
A mission to save the world.
From death.
From depravity.
A mission that began in a manger and lead to the cross.
Immanuel, God with us
The King is coming – I trade my mess for Messiah.
My ashes for beauty.
My lost for belonging.
He gives hope for the empty chair.
Joy to the world.
Merry Christ-mas!
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 NIV
John
December 13, 2017Yes the joy of Christmas is not just the family gathering, nor the piles of ‘loot’, nor the super abundance of food and drink.
It is the knowledge that a Saviour has come who has made it possible for us to be in a right relationship with God.
Interestingly it doesn’t mean that there are no rules or regulations for us to follow, just that they are different from what people expect.
The Command, the order, the rule we are to obey is to Love others, not with a sweet ‘ahh isn’t it lovely, but practically and costly ways that actually help others.
It is far easier to live a life of obeying rules etc then to follow Jesus.
Liz
December 13, 2017You are awesome! What a great commentary. You should write a blog my friend! I love what you say – to love others practically and costly ways that actually help others. Thank you for reading and for your wonderful words. Blessings brother.
John Steven
December 13, 2017Amazing post! Shared it with a group this AM during a weekly prayer meeting.
Liz
December 13, 2017You’re the best! It sincerely means a lot that it touched you enough to share it. Glory to God. Thank you my friend. ❤️