The hallway feels bereft without a festive tree, our whole house somehow dimmer without the light from its branches. The Light has not departed — rather He is now here with us, lighting up our hearts — but then why does the day feel so gray?
Taking down and putting away Christmas decorations is my least favorite part of the new year. After a season full of anticipation and celebration, it’s such a let down. Even the fresh start of a whole new year is not enough to boost the mood on the day that commercialized Christmas is finally over.
Yet, I must remind myself, on this the eve of Epiphany, that it’s not truly over. Christ has come to stay and the celebration has just begun. The anticipation can still be felt, hovering in the wings, awaiting a time of more complete fulfillment: the celebration that will be inaugurated with the second coming of King Jesus. He first came down to earth and took on humanity, born to die and rise again for our salvation. This we celebrate at Christmas. And He will come once more on that great Day when the skies open up and He comes for a second time, once for all, establishing His kingdom in the new heavens and earth. We can look forward with even greater anticipation to His final return.
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his Bride has made herself ready;”
It seems a hefty thought for the quotidian activities of re-wrapping tree lights and packing away fragile ornaments to be stored in a dark corner of the basement until next year. But it’s the most important thing we could remember, no matter what time of year or what we’re doing. The reminder of this anticipation is the heart of the Christian life. It’s the source of our earthly contentment in a world that is never satisfied (which becomes all the more clear in the post-Christmas season). It’s a truth that must not be packed away with the colorful baubles and festive adornments of a holiday gone by. It should by no means be tucked back in a dark corner for all other days of the year. The Light has come and He must shine into every corner of life!
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
John 1:9
So the weather may be a little dreary, but the house has taken on a different look. The Lord’s Day is coming, and that is well worth anticipating. What does this mean for us in the rest of the year, when the joy and promise of Christmas feels far away? Well, it’s important to remember that, while Christmas is a holiday that revolves around Jesus and a wonderful celebration of His Kingship, it is not established or commanded by God in Scripture. The only holiday (‘holy-day’) we are commanded to observe is the Lord’s Day, the Sabbath. That day of rest and renewal, and direction communion with our Lord through worship, fellowship, preaching and the Lord’s Supper, should be a holiday until itself each week. Imagine celebrating every single Sunday like Christmas! The gift we receive each week is Christ Himself, through the Word and sacraments — and for no better gift could we ask, all through the year.
I’m reminding myself of this most precious Gift today, and thankful for the Light that shines on every day because of the Son of God Who came to be with us, Emmanuel!
This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
It’s another new year (this keeps happening!) and I’ve finally selected a focus word for my devotional and prayer life… or rather, several words.
For the last several years, I’ve chosen a ‘Word of the Year’ to help guide and illuminate my regular study of Scripture and personal devotionals. I read recently about some folks choosing a word as a “name it and claim it” sort of demand to God, but this is never how I’ve approached the concept. I agree completely with the author of this post that God’s Word is the only Word we really need! Thus, as impetus for my study of God’s Word, I’ve found great value in focusing my efforts on a particular theme or concept within the Bible. My only expectation being that the Holy Spirit will bless the effort as He promises to do when we approach Scripture in expectation of truth and growth by His grace. I have found my ‘word of the year’ incredibly helpful for continued spiritual growth, and it always seems to come up in connection with other things in my life, from songs to sermons.
Well, that was by way of an intro.
I’ve put a lot of thought and prayer into this process — more so than in previous years, for some reason. I initially took the Dayspring Word of the Year Quiz back in November, and the resulting word was ‘Presence’. It was different and wouldn’t have been on my list otherwise, and I didn’t really like it at first. I kept coming back to more emotive words like ‘peace’ and ‘joy’. I started a running list of words that popped into my head: providence, patience, prayer (it was purely coincidence that they all started with ‘p’… to begin with). As I dug more into my reasoning behind this annual selection, and in connection with some sermons we’ve been hearing recently on spiritual disciplines, I really wanted this year to have a more progressive element. The alliterative theme became more clear as my list of words grew, especially after a beautiful Christmas morning sermon on Mary’s magnificat and the definition of the word ‘ponder’.
After that, it was pretty clear that I needed to expand my ‘word’ of the year to ‘words‘. And this fit perfectly with my goal of engaging more actively in inductive Bible study, quiet time and prayer that would be led by these concepts. I ended up with 6 words total, which worked out nicely for dividing them out over the course of the year. I’ve arranged them in a somewhat progressive order, and will be working my way through all Scripture references for each word every two months. I’ve given a brief summary of each below, and links to the resource I’m using for my Bible reading plan.
What does the Lord have in store for me this year? I don’t know all the details, but I’m looking to Him to prepare me for whatever it may be.
Another perspective on this word since I’ve been studying it for a few weeks now: the verses I’ve read thus far talk a lot about preparing food and sacrifices. Preparation often involves work for the sake of others and self sacrifice. Preparing oneself for service to God is an important part of obedience — and also a pivotal aspect of the sanctifying plan He has for our lives!
God is faithful and He always provides. He is a promise keeper, even when I fail – not because of who I am or what I’ve done, but because of who Christ is, whose image He is conforming to! Seeking out the evidence of His faithfulness and lovingkindness in the Bible and in my own life will be a major part of learning to continue trusting the Lord’s providence in this coming year.
Though this word has fewer specific references in the Bible, it really covers the entire concept of my words this year. The Lord is doing amazing, unfathomable things each day — and there is much to treasure and ponder, just as Mary did (Luke 2:19). Ponder does not just mean sitting and thinking briefly, or daydreaming absentmindedly. It is intentional, studious meditation. This post even ties it to the meaning of the word Selah used frequently in Psalms and other portions of Scripture. The meaning is associated with a sense of heaviness that makes a lasting impact, as in making a crooked path straight or a rough road level.
“In Proverbs 4:26 and 5:21, the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes “make level.” In Proverbs 5:6, it drops out entirely in the Revised Version (British and American). In Proverbs 21:2 and 24:12, “weigh” is substituted for “ponder.”
This is a word that implies life-altering thought patterns. So much to ponder here and I look forward to working through this word, especially with the background of ‘preparation’ and ‘providence’.
This is the word recommended by the Dayspring Word of the Year quiz that I took. Initially, it didn’t have any appeal to me at all and felt rather foreign. But it has gradually grown on me–not only as a means of meditating on the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, but also in reference to my own presence in the lives of others: God actively working in and through me in a variety of situations. I want to be fully aware of God’s presence with me, and also fully present in whatever situation I may find myself. In this digital age, it’s so easy to “tune out” and become engaged in mindless social media scrolling or self-centered activities that have little worth. That’s not how I want to spend my time; life passes too quickly and I want to be present for it! Especially with so many little eyes watching me throughout the day (children ages 9, 7, 5, 3 are acutely aware of digital distractions). By fixing my eyes on Christ and abiding in His presence, I trust He will guide my footsteps in influencing others with my presence.
This may seem a little trite; patience is always on my list as a mother of little ones. It’s also a fruit of the Spirit and you will find that, when prayed for, is always granted in abundance — through situations that try one’s patience. Difficulties and suffering in life are the “fiery trials” that burn away the dross and result in the purified gold of patience (1 Peter 4:12, Job 23:10). This is why another word used for patience in Scripture is ‘long suffering‘. It feels unbearable, or even pointless, at the time, but God is using every situation to work for the good of His children — and to cause them to bear fruit over time.
“Many of God’s servants develop the quality of longsuffering through their service and dedication to Him.”
Peace is a big one — one that everyone wants, I think. To be at peace with the Lord is to be at peace with oneself. Or, as Augustine said: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” All of the preceding words point to this one, and cultivate the faith that results in peace. Trusting in the Lord results in perfect peace.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
By no means am I saying that with these 6 simple steps you too can have perfect peace! No, this is not an infomercial for how to achieve peace easily in this life. Rather, my hope and goal is that the Lord will work in my life by His means of grace (prayer, Bible study, fellowship, worship, communion, etc.) to grow my faith in Him, and thereby “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
I’ll leave you with the Bible reading checklist I’ve prepared for the next several weeks, which will get me through the first two words (Prepare and Providence) and through the month of April. I’ve printed this out for myself and keep it with me for reference to read in my Bible at home or in the Bible Gateway app on-the-go. Perhaps it will be helpful to you (click to download the PDF)!
Have you chosen a Word of the Year for 2023, or do you have other methods you use to focus your personal devotional time?
Upon the burial of W.D. Jordan, beloved grandfather
The wind in the pines, begins a whisper, a hushed refrain, the murmuring hymn of an age-old tune — Creation’s song with muted words proclaims; from dawn of time to dusk, from rising and the setting sun, familiar chorus echoes through the trees: life waits to be made new, renewed, yearning, striving, aching, pining; Already—not yet, whole.
Anticipating greater winds, the movement grows, as breezes blow, bending stubborn branches, unveiling whence the true Light shines. Inspiring, showing, glowing brushing back the dark, and drawing brightened gazes higher, lifting up, still lifted to the clear and open skies, arise— soon no more tears, nor sighs.
Until with shout triumphant, blasts the heavenly gale of unearthly choirs, fills the reborn firmament, bends the hearts, the heads, the knees of men. And raises up the dead in Him alive with life unending, Life! No longer bent and broken, rushed, pushed, prodded, tossed, twisted, turning, then — in a moment changed.
The wind in the pines reminds, of Resurrection coming.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
From an old English parsonage down by the sea There came in the twilight a message to me; Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven, Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven. And on through the doors the quiet words ring Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear, Many a doubt, hath its quieting here. Moment by moment, let down from Heaven, Time, opportunity, and guidance are given. Fear not tomorrows, child of the King, Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing
Do it immediately, do it with prayer; Do it reliantly, casting all care; Do it with reverence, tracing His hand Who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener, Working or suffering, be thy demeanor; In His dear presence, the rest of His calm, The light of His countenance be thy psalm, Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing. Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
Do you ever start to feel completely crushed by all of your responsibilities? Overwhelmed by the never-ending list of to-dos and repetitive tasks that are necessary to keep a household running smoothly? Suffocated by the wants and needs of all the other people in your life that depend on you, and running out of reserves to keep up with their demands?
I’d be willing to bet this is an all-too-familiar feeling for the modern working-mother-homemaker, and it’s one that has been creeping in more often for me lately. The temptation to succumb to a sort of duty paralysis when the weight of responsibility becomes heavy is very hard to resist. When the whining children, demanding clients, hapless husband, and all the other needs start crowding in, I feel like saying, “Everybody just STOP! Leave me alone for a minute!” But I know that wouldn’t really solve the problem.
The “self-care” revolution of our post-Christian culture seems to propose a solution to the problem: just make time for YOURSELF and you’ll be better off in the long run. “You can only take care of others if you’re taking care of yourself.” But this solution has always struck me as, well, selfish. The Bible doesn’t point us to a model of loving self before others. God’s Word tells us the exact opposite, in fact.
“Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:20
Because we have been bought and paid for, undeserving, we are called to love others as God loves us — giving mercy though no mercy was earned!
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
