A Time to Reflect

The season of advent is upon us. I cannot quench the childlike expectancy that begins to rise in my heart as we enter the season of joy, family, and togetherness, I don't pretend to believe Jesus was born in December. I understand so many rituals have pagan origins. Yet I am grateful, because He was born we have redemption. The invasion of our Saviour to our humble world is worth celebrating whether that time was chosen to be February, June, or August.

What I love about this season is how the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Plain houses suddenly become dazzling light displays, a family meal suddenly becomes a special occasion, the fire dances a little higher, and our hearts feel just a little fuller.
What a beautiful picture displayed of that amazing event.  When Jesus made his grand entrance it was into a plain, broken, and ugly world. The setting wasn't dazzling. The conditions far from perfect, but this was from the natural perspective. For some brief moments shepherds, mere mortals, got a glimpse of what was happening in the spiritual realm  It was something glorious. A force that was transforming what was broken and ordinary into something that would be extraordinary.

It is this that gives me cause to reflect and cause to celebrate. I could rant and rave about the commercialization of Christmas, but there is only credence in this if we let our hearts be led towards this.
I for one will celebrate with lights, gifts, food, and family, but it all means nothing without the Light. It all means nothing no matter what the season if we don't have the Light.

A Mind Blowing Truth

You may want to take a seat, this may blow your mind. Are you sitting? Ok take a deep breath. I'm not sure how to break this to you so I'm going to just come out and say it.


Jesus  is not a democrat OR a republican.    * insert crickets chirping


Does this change the truth of who He is? Absolutely not! Does this mean we do not vote or live our lives according to truth and moral standards? Absolutely not! Does this mean we love everyone, just the way Jesus loved? Absolutely!

 John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus...full of GRACE and TRUTH.

For those of us who believe we must season our truth with grace. This does not make the truth any less true. In fact you will find grace brings us to the feet of Jesus. When we extend that grace we point others to the feet of Jesus. The feet of TRUTH! 

Hydration

John 7:37
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

I have a problem. That problem is I do not drink enough water throughout the day. I want to very much, but when I am thirsty I seem to reach for something like a soda. I start out with the best of intentions, but for some reason I will not satiate my body's true need.

It amazes me how closely our physical life can mirror our spiritual life. I was talking to Chris last night after we laid down in bed. These are some of my favorite talks because they end up being so open and honest. I was sharing how I start off my week really clinging to the Father and wanting to walk so close, so intently beside him. I long to display Jesus to a dying world. As the week goes on I consistenly neglect the hydration my spirit so desperately needs. I was deeply convicted yesterday when I realized I spent more time reading news and other worthless information during my downtime at work, than quenching my spirit's thirst with God's Word. How can I reach anyone when my eyes are not fixed on the One who gives life?

I am thirsty... Jesus I am coming to You.