We can rejoice in all that the season represents, even while we wrestle with the reminders of what is missing.
I don’t intend to make this conversation about me – in fact I’m quite eager to change the subject. I just wanted to take a moment to be raw and real with you, on the chance that the joy of the holidays is juxtaposed with some kind of heartache of your own. I want you to know that you are not alone, that two things can be true: we can rejoice in all that the season represents, even while we wrestle with the reminders of what is missing.
Recently, I had a conversation with an old friend. We no longer live in the same city, but for a brief and significant (in impact, not length) time, we built something together that has outlasted us both. Now, with lives headed in very different directions than when we first met, we keep in touch with annual coffee chats over the phone.
I’m grateful for these times and always a bit surprised at how over the last four or so years, we’ve each declared how our seasons haven’t exactly shifted, and yet, we just know they’re about to.
Can you imagine…being certain that change is on the wind…for years. Only to check in each year and find that nothing has really changed, short of a few details here and there. It always seems as though no time has passed between our talks, and yet, the years seem to drag on outside of those conversations.
Time is weird like that.
We encourage one another to fight the good fight of faith, to believe the truth of God’s word, to remember that He never forgets.
Anyway, on this most recent annual update, we spoke about a memory that often gets brought up. We laughed as we recalled the unique perspectives we had on what turned out to be a very divinely orchestrated day. And we verbalized how grateful we were to have shared that experience.
Of course we went on to encourage one another to fight the good fight of faith, to believe the truth of God’s word, to remember that He never forgets. But it was that memory recall that really paved the way for our hearts to be encouraged. Those memorial stones in our friendship are the things that allow us to share our difficulties in mutual delight.
And all of this got me thinking…
What are the memorial stones that mark our relationship with God?
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus – the One who made relationship with God possible – let us also take time to recall the memories we’ve made with Him thus far.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus – the One who made relationship with God possible – let’s also take time to recall the memories we’ve made with Him thus far.
I think we make a habit in Christian circles to recall what the Lord has done for us as means to build our faith for the things He will do in the future. If He provided for us before, He’ll do it again. So in the moments where we need provision, we intentionally instruct our minds to recall the scenarios in which Jehovah Jireh lived up to His name.
If He was close to us before, then He will be close to us again. So in the moments when we feel the most alone, we recall the specific instances when His presence filled our hearts. If we’ve been so fortunate, we recall the moments when His presence filled the room and every desire was satisfied.
This is good. We would do well to mark the memorial stones of God’s work in our lives, to mimic Jacob in Genesis 28 and the Israelites as they crossed the Jordan River in Joshua 4. To recall the work of God is a good and holy practice that will not only encourage you, but all those who encounter these 21st century metaphorical memorial stones.
What if there’s more? More than the faith that He will move on our behalf again. What if the pleasure of knowing God exceeds the pleasure of Him working all things together for good?
But what if there’s more? More than the memories of His previous work in our lives. More than the faith that He will move on our behalf again. What if the pleasure of knowing God exceeds the pleasure of seeing Him work it all together for good?
After all, isn’t that what Jesus came to do? To make a way for the Creator to once again tabernacle with His creation?
In this Christmas season, let’s not allow our focus to solely rest on celebrating the birth of Jesus; let’s recall the significance of His arrival.
Let’s consider the details with intention: where He came from. The truth that He was there in the beginning, along with the Father, along with the Spirit. At the dawning of time and creation. Watching. Waiting. Grieving with His Father over the loss of relationship with us.
Until the time came for heaven to meet earth in the lowest and most vulnerable form of humanity: a baby, born to a virgin, with a mission that could only be accomplished by the Divine. The Son of God left all that was due Him in heaven, that He may restore us to right relationship with the Father.
Recall the love of a Savior who would condescend to dwell among us, that in time, He might dwell within us.
Thank you Kylie for expanding our vision and perception to recall. Recall the relationship that saved us from eternal death. Recall all of the opportunities that God miraculously permitted for us to engage, dwell, remain and encounter Christ..to be seen like Hagar. To receive mysteries, secrets and Revelations from the Holy Spirit. To experience and have relationship with the Invisible God.
By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:27 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.11.27.ESV
This is how Moses endured and this too is how we are to endure forward. Love ya my dear sister.