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Respite For the Weary
Across America, and the world, has Christmas become just another reason to throw a seasonal party?
Christmas is upon us, and we're all getting ready for...what? Is there a purpose behind this preparation? Across America, and the world, has Christmas become just another reason to throw a seasonal party?
I asked this very question to myself as I hung my wreath on my own front door. Why the wreath? Does this circular object have meaning, or is it just "pretty" and "fitting" at Christmas? And along with that, why the greenery and red ribbons that wrap around so many door frames, staircases, and mantles? I love the festive look, but is that it? When I asked these heart-questions, the Lord gently reminded me of a passage of Scripture:
Each household is to take a lamb...your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old...the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts..." Exodus 12:3,5-7
When my mind settled on these verses, the crimson red ribbons that accompany the evergreen boughs at Christmas became much more than mere traditional decor found on the shelf at Michael's. I suddenly felt a beautiful connection to the Israelites of old. Their Savior is my Savior. I have a Protector over my household as well. He has come, and He lives within. The greenery with red ribbon reminds me to bow my heart in humbled worship.
Here's another thought: Could the circular wreath we hang on our doors represent God's matchless love that is complete because of the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son? In your mind's eye, trace your finger around a wreath from top, to bottom, to top while reading these all too familiar words:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
He came from heaven to earth to be with us, in order to bring us to heaven to be with him. The wreath proclaims eternal life all because of Immanuel!
So as the world celebrates, does the world know why? When you look at your wreath and the greenery at your door or on your mantle, celebrate your Savior. May the red ribbon remind you of His crimson blood shed for you and your household! Rejoice! His entry into the world has purchased your entry into heaven. This is what the world needs to know. Yes, may our homes and our hearts and our voices sing together, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Tuesday
Picture: Tree (the watering)
Scripture: Psalm 1(emphasis on verse 3a); Isaiah 44:3-5; John 7:37-38
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Meditate on a flourishing tree next to a flowing river. The streams of water equal both God’s word and His Spirit nourishing our hearts—we need Him and His word within our hearts the way His creation needs a consistent water supply within roots, trunks, and branches.
Is your soul weary and dry? In what ways?
Are you getting enough Living Water? Explain its benefits when you do.
Write a prayer using the daily verses as a reference:
Friday
Picture: Tree (bearing fruit)
Scripture: John 12:24; John 15:8-11; Galatians 5:18-25
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you?
Close your eyes and envision any kind of fruit tree that is ready for harvest. This fruit has reached this point due to all the previous concepts we have looked at this week: seed, soil, roots, watering, growth, and pruning. Likewise, we bear spiritual fruit due to God word’s and His Spirit continuously at work in our lives.
In what ways is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc) flourishing in your daily interactions with people?
Is the Lord using you to bear fruit for His name in any particular ministry or people group?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Wednesday
Picture: Vessel (cleansing and repairing)
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:3-7; Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a dusty vase being thoroughly washed underneath a flowing faucet. Now, think of a broken vase being gently and precisely glued back together. These two pictures represent: 1. confessing our sin and receiving the cleansing act of forgiveness from the Lord, and 2. allowing the Lord to repair our broken hearts from these sins or from harsh life circumstances.
Is there currently anything you need to confess in order to receive cleansing? Does your vessel stay in the same broken state due to ongoing sins? Explain.
Are you broken due to a deep wound? Explain. (Consider reaching out to a godly friend or mentor who will both encourage you and keep you accountable. Write his or her name here.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Thursday
Picture: Vessel (pouring in)
Scripture: John 2:1-10; Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19-20; Psalm 119:11, 57
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and visualize someone pouring clean water into a crystal vase. This picture represents the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit (as well as God’s word) being poured into our hearts. His Word and Spirit create beauty within us, which creates newness of life every day.
Can you give an example of a specific circumstance in which you know you felt God’s Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control pour into you? Explain.
Is there a time in which God’s word spoke directly to your heart in a certain situation? Explain.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Tuesday
Picture: House (foundation)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:3-4; John 14:6; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 3:11
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about the concrete foundation that is laid before the building of any home. Much like this firm foundation (and more so!), God never changes or shifts. He is the unshakeable Rock. Jesus Christ laid down His life so that we can build our house on His eternal truths. The more we know Him through His word, the more we understand the security of our foundation.
Are you building your life on His rock or sinking sand? Explain.
Write out a few biblical truths that you want to build firmly upon so that you know your “house will not fall”.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: House (Builder/Architect)
Scripture: Psalm 127:1; 1 Chronicles 28:11-12, 19; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Hebrews 3:1-6; 11:8-10
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and visualize the detailed architectural plans of a residential home. Much like these plans, God has laid out every detail of our lives, start to finish. Just as God spoke to King David in regards to the physical temple that was to be built, He speaks to us through His word concerning our daily plans.
Do you consider your Builder trustworthy or do you have plans of your own? Explain.
What are some specific life plans that God has revealed to you as you have trusted in His word?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11
Dear Lord Jesus,
You tell us to be childlike in our faith, but you also implore us to grow up. Show us the difference! As we trust in you wholeheartedly, grow us in wisdom and knowledge, not just for intellectual purposes, but for maturity in our emotions and our actions. Help us to replace childish ways with Christlike ones. In your Name, Amen.