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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!"
FridayPicture: Soldier (sword)Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis on v17b-18); Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 18:37-39; James 4:7Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:Close your eyes and envision a two soldiers in the midst of a sword fight. One is well prepared and knows exactly when and where to strike; the other is in complete panic. Just like a soldier trains for war and knows how to use his sword appropriately and accurately, we too must be ready to use God’s powerful word in times of distress. Of all the pieces of armor of God, the sword is the only offensive one. In closing of this great passage, it’s also important to note that continual prayer in the Spirit for self and others is addressed. Fervent prayer helps keep all pieces of armor in place.Explain a time when you used God’s word to help you gain a victory in a battle whether it was mentally, emotionally, or physically. Is there a verse or a passage that you are currently focusing on or memorizing in order to keep your sword sharp and ready for battle? Write it here.Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Bride (His proposal)
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:17-18; John 3:16; Revelation 22:16-18
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about one of your favorite wedding proposal stories. Think of the detailed planning and the excitement of the event. In the same way, God invites each one of us personally (and all of us collectively) to respond to His loving invitation to become His own. If we answer “yes”, the joy He has is immense. This is the beginning of a LONG TERM relationship, one full of His love; the more time we spend with Him, the more understanding we have of this love.
When did you respond to Jesus’ invitation of “Come to Me”? Explain.
In this long term relationship with the Lord who is 100% faithful, what are your strengths and weaknesses as you walk with Him each day?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Bride (His pursuit)
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:9-10; Psalm 37:23-24
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a man taking the woman he loves on dates, holding her hand, bringing her flowers, and writing her love notes. Likewise, God is chasing each one of us with His love! He longs to reassure us of His commitment to us day in and day out.
What are ways that can help you be aware of His daily loving presence?
What are some of your favorite worship songs that declare God’s love for you? Write the titles here and then consider listening them today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Bride (our response, now and later)
Scripture: Psalm 27:8; Song of Solomon 3:4; Ruth 1:16-17; Phil. 3:7-11; Revelation 21:1-7
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think of a bride saying her vows to her husband on her wedding day. Hear her say these words of committed love as well as see her put a ring on the groom’s finger. In the same way, our response to God’s great love is to love Him back with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Of course we will not do it perfectly on this earth, but there again, our God is patient with our human-ness, and He honors our humble desire to please Him. Someday in heaven, we WILL be without sin, and it is in this state and place that we will experience the full reality of the long-awaited wedding feast.
In light of God’s great love and faithful commitment to you, write down some “vows” or responses that you want to tell Him concerning your part in this relationship (perfect on His part, imperfect on our part).
What are you looking most forward to when the final and perfect wedding feast occurs?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Bride (His initiation)
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 45:4-5; John 15:16; 1 John 4:10
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
In your mind’s eye, see a man making the first phone call to someone he is very interested in getting to know. On a much grander scale, it’s important to remember our God is the One who “first loved us”. We have done nothing (and can do nothing) to earn this love. He IS love; all He does is motivated from this unconditional source.
Are you convinced of God’s love? Why or why not?
Explain a time when God showed His love toward you in a very personal way.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Thursday
Picture: Bride (His vows)
Scripture: Hosea 2:19; Isaiah 54:4,10; Isaiah 62:5; 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a wedding ceremony. See the groom making promises to his bride as he puts a ring on her finger to pledge a lifelong commitment. Much like this, but even better because of perfection, God vows His faithful love to His people. He loves His church! His promises to us are almost to good to be true, and yet they are ALL true and they will last forever. His Spirit now lives in us…His love lives IN US! He is 100% faithful and committed to this relationship. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b).
Which promise in the above verses speaks to you the most right now? Why?
Aside from today’s verses, are there any other promises in the Bible that you cling to concerning God’s great love for you? Write them here.
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.