“So shall My word be which goes
forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing
what I desire, And without succeeding in
the matter for which I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 NAS
My plans post Thanksgiving weekend, after special time with family and worship community, were as usual for this time of year: to prepare for Christmas and once again try to find time to let the meaning of the season be an anchor in the usual busyness.
My plans changed that Friday with a trip to the emergency room followed by admittance to the hospital.
My plans for this holiday season have been completely upended by the unexpected.
And yet as I've begun to adjust to this year's reality I find myself once again seeing and hearing Christ's gift once again as brand new, with the fresh life giving joy of a new born babe.
His entrance into our darkness in whatever form that might look like.
His SO unexpected grace that defies our sinful, selfish hearts.
His promises that are eternal, merciful, life giving, and fulfilled by His birth, death, and resurrection.
His Presence and hope upending our fears.
His surrounding protection of prayer and support of family and friends and total strangers that breathe mercy and care and time and understanding.
His understanding of how much we are broken. Of His poured out life for us.
Gift beyond measure. Grace beyond comprehension. Christ our Saviour is born.
Advent invites us to recognize the
shadows and barriers we have set around God’s promises and reopen His call to
pursue life under His influence. And watch our hope soar into new territory as we
see His glorious ‘impossibles’ unfold.
“The
people who walk in darkness will see a great light.”
“For a child will be born to us, a son will
be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name
will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of
Peace."
Blessing on this Advent. Blessings on your new beginnings ahead.
