Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
I’ve been thinking a lot about being new, about the biblical notion of having a transformed mind. My life is different lately; hectic even, and though our circumstances are changed; I am moreso.
In only 6 short weeks, my career and my professional learning curve went from long-stalled to back in full motion. My new job is a smaller role than I’ve had previously, but coming back from nothing professionally for seven years, I am truly grateful to have been provided the opportunity to work in my field, learn, and contribute again.
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My heart skips with each flip of the Advent Calendar and I wonder when it switched. When the act of waiting turned to scurrying. When the anxiousness of getting there transformed into wanting more time before it arrives.
As I’m lost in my thoughts, this song comes on the radio…
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from satan’s power
When we were gone astray…
How have I missed it? The archaic verbiage doesn’t help, but why have I thought this struggle of rushing was a new thing when they’ve been singing about it for more than 200 years?
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When Angel’s Sing
Shepherds stand on the dark hillsides outside Bethlehem, working a job few wanted and none respected. The glory of God cracks open the night sky with news that will change the world.
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
No ordinary night.
Shocked to the core at this unimaginable sight, the shepherds respond with urgency,”Let us go straight to…and see.” Wonder turns to action as they leave in haste, seeking to find this child, born to save the hearts of men.
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Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”
-From The Gospel of John Chapter 3
The birth of Jesus is the focus of Christmas to we who believe. At least in theory. But, the beauty of Christmas is that this tiny mysterious bundle of wisdom swaddled in hay, laying in manger one Holy Night has birthed an undeniable kingdom as prophesied from the beginning.
The beauty of Christmas is not in this one freeze frame, iconic, Christmas card image but in the powerful truth behind the picture.
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Christmas is my favorite time of year. It’s so much more than brightly wrapped gifts, and twinkling lights. It’s more than the carols that we sing and the perfect photo opts.
Growing up, Christmas meant family. When I was younger, my family and extended family would all gather at my parents’ home. We would sit in front of the fire, feast on sugar by way of candy canes and freshly baked cookies. We sang carols, played board games and just enjoyed being together. It wasn’t important if there were a lot of gifts under the tree. It wasn’t important if we were dressed to a tee.
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I wasn’t here at 5 Minutes for Faith last month. It’s been a trying year and I found myself worn out, weary, and very tired. I kept trying to push forward, but that only adds to the exhaustion. So, I did something I don’t usually do…I asked for help. I e-mailed our editor here and she graciously gave me the month off.
As we’re in one of the busiest times of the year—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—I wonder if you might be in the same place…tired, weary, worn out, and still trying to push forward. If you are, I understand.
It often feels as though the load rests solely on our shoulders, and in truth, sometimes it does.
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When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,and the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
~ Psalm 8:3-5
I remember a day the sky was so blue it took my breath away, the sunrise so pink I could only stand in awe. The stars that night twinkled brighter than ever a night before, or so it seemed as I gazed enthralled by God’s awesome creation.
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