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Respite For the Weary
For many years now, my heart has considered the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas as the "holy days." I have encouraged my children to be extra attentive during this season as well. I reminded them only a few nights ago that the Lord will be whispering something specifically to each of their hearts in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season... so... be still... don't miss it.
God has something for you as well over His holiday. This "something" may be nestled in a phrase from a Christmas carol; it may be words from a sermon, or it might be a new thought from the age-old nativity story. Be still, hear Him.
As I traveled back from Mississippi over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Lord gave me "my something" this season. Through the first Christmas carols that were being played on the radio on the long ride home, my mind kept settling on one word: holy. One word, one gift to open. So I'm in the process of "gathering" this word from statements, from songs, and from Scripture. For example, I have jotted these things down:
A Statement-- Synonyms to holy are: set-apart, sinless, ordained, righteous, blessed.
A Song-- "O Holy Night" -- So according to the "like-minded" words above, the night of our dear Savior's birth was a set-apart night, a blessed night, an ordained night.
Another Song-- a line in "Silent Night" is: "holy infant so tender and mild." Yes, even as an infant, He was holy.
A Scripture-- Isaiah 6:1-3 says... I saw the Master sitting on a throne--high, exalted!--and the train of His robes filled the Temple. Angel-seraphs hovered above Him, each with six wings... and they called back and forth to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is God-of -the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth." And this holy God is the King in the manger-bed? Were these same angels hovering...and singing back and forth to one another? And He lay there... for me?
And the gift grows each day, and I am awed.
What one word or phrase does He have for you this season? Peace, comfort, joy, love? We have so much to celebrate! He is not just one word, He is the Word. And He is not just packaged in one gift, He was wrapped in "swaddling clothes" as the Gift. Let's you and I enjoy Him throughout the Holy-days.
If you need daily guidance in your thoughts over the next several weeks, please refer to my website at www.respitefortheweary.com and view my new 25 day devotional Who is this Jesus and Why did He come? It is meant to direct you, and help you meditate on the Word...the Gift...Jesus.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor... Isaiah 6:9
Dear Lord,
You are all wise. You know exactly what we need. You want to direct us onto the right paths--every day, every decision. Forgive us when don't seek you first, but rather seek counsel elsewhere. Help us to be rooted in your word as well as receive wise instruction from those who walk with you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.