Scribbling Spiritual Sand…
Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
First snow chimes out the new year,
BIG, bouncy, brawny flakes swirl, swish
past stoic landscape leaving their mark.
January draws forth all which was dear,
hopes, dreams and the heart’s wishes;
some laden, broken before they embarked.
Farewell December, fade without fear
take our sorrows and burdened anguish;
one can choose not to walk in the dark.
Follow the great I Am.
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Matthew 6:31-33
As another year comes to a close, some people may be thankful for God’s provisions. While others, with disappointment, may still be waiting for their prayers to be answered. “Is God really there? Has He forgotten me?”
There is assurance that God is there and loves those who love Him dearly.
Waiting is a hard thing. It’s those exaggerated moments where the battle is being played out. Can you place your trust in God or will the devil have the final victory?
I saw a dozen or more robins a few weeks ago. It was an early cold morning. Frost hugged frozen branches. The air was crisp and my fingers numb. Suddenly my dog stopped. He studied a small knoll just a few feet away. It was then I heard the rustling of dried leaves. There was a flutter and pecking everywhere in the woodsy spot.
“Squirrels,” I thought.
It took awhile for my eyes to adjust to the earthy camouflage. Then I saw them. There were dozens of robins tossing debris everywhere. These humble birds had gathered in a sheltered area collecting their morning grub. The ground was too frozen for worms, so they searched for other eatable delights.
God promised to provide for the needs of those who love Him. Do you love God? Really love Him? If so, prayerfully continue to wait on God. He has a special purpose for your life. You might not get the worms you desire, but He will make sure your needs are taken care of.
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12
As the darkest day of the year approaches, I think of the Light. Jesus’s words, in the book of John, are reassuring to those who have traveled a difficult year. Even to those who have battled with sin and have lost.
There is no doubt sin brings elements of darkness to life. It is so easy to point out the sins of other people. Let’s read the verse a little earlier in this chapter, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” That line alone puts things in perspective.
We aren’t much different than the religious leaders and godly men who walked the dusty, crowded street with Jesus. In ways, we challenge Jesus by ignoring His words and turning to our own righteous ways. Unfortunately, everyone cannot be correct.
As darker days of December veil each new day, remember God brought “Light” into the world on Christmas Day, Jesus. He was sent to consume the darkness of sin so we could live in His light.
Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12
What if mild Mary long ago refused
the holy messenger that came to her,
as weary, arid desert sands blew;
blew silently across lonesome land.
What if Joseph had turned her away
when angels visited his troubling dreams?
Beads of sweat warmed he’s worried brow;
brow burdened with disappointment.
What if the modest family had not gone;
when called to little town of Bethlehem
Tucked smartly within rocky, hilly earth;
earth set aside for the Promised One.
What if meager manger had been empty;
a sparse shelter that wonderful holy night?
No animals to sing His lovely lullaby;
lullaby hopefully for all of mankind.
What if burly shepherds doubted
the things they heard in night skies?
Songs of the newborn Baby King;
King to reign in Heaven on high.
What if the wealthy magi turned back
tired of travel across new lands?
Weary of following the star bright;
bright and brilliant across inky night.
What if Christmas was forever veiled
among gifts, garland and guides?
No baby King Jesus to come to save;
save sinful folk just like you and I.
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For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Matthew 3:16-17
What holy Child lays to rest
upon upon the cold, brittle hay;
I’m told he is the One that’s blest
and will cleanse the world of sin.
What of the light in darken sky?
What will the anxious magi say;
when long years of travel pass by?
What does one hold carefully in tin?
‘Tis Baby Jesus who lays to rest,
as shepherds first made their way;
those willing to believe are blest.
Magi will wait for another day;
with their treasured gift to give
for soon this Little One will pay.
For all eternity, in heaven, I will live
May you accept His gift, I pray.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
It’s wrapping time!
My dad always slipped me money to buy my mom’s Christmas gift just a few weeks before the big event. He’d whisper to me, “Buy something nice.” It’s easy to buy gifts for our loved ones compared to a stranger.
This reminds me of the magi. Gifts loaded on camels, rolling sand dunes to climb and that unusual light glowing in the night sky all adds up to a story. Whether they were philosophers, priests or astronomers the Scriptures does not say. But they were learned men; most likely from Persia or Arabia on a long journey.
Who were they searching for?
They wanted to find the King who had been born to the Jews. At the time, the Jews were anxiously waiting for the coming Messiah. By studying the Scriptures, from the book of Daniel (9:25-27), the Jews thought the time was approaching for the Deliver to come and free them from Roman bondage.
If we where looking for someone we would Google, Messenger or Facebook them to searched for the answer. Or if we were in need of a location, we would use our navigational system or a map. Obviously, these things were not around at the time of the magi. It is thought, at Christ’s birth, the special light shone in the sky. These men used the stars to map out their journey. According to most sources, that bright light remained until Jesus was about two years old. It may have been a two year long excursion the magi took.
Once in Bethlehem the magi needed further instructions, so the men inquired of those they came in contact with. What a disturbance they caused. Even King Herod became involved; along with the chief priests and scribes. Unfortunately, Herod’s motives were not to worship the King of the Jews.
The magi took incredible time to seek out what they felt was important. They also asked questions along the way. Once they found the young King, they presented great gifts to Him and then worshipped the King of the Jews, Jesus. These learned men invested time, energy and commitment to the task at hand. I doubt they left any stone unturned to find the King of the Jews.
What about today? How can we put effort forth in discovering the King of the Jews? Or should I say the King of Kings?
The best gift one can present to Jesus today is a life of repentance and devotion to the Savior of the world.
I will be a guest on “Journey with Jenny’s private Facebook site tomorrow, December 8th. Sign up and stop in if you wish. I will be introducing myself and the books I’ve published this last year. Jenny is also a published author. Her group is up-lifting and engaging.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isaiah 11:1
I know not why spicy bouquet of bough
or gentle greenery against white snow;
stirs my Christmas memories long ago.
Perhaps, the off-shoot of holidays past
brings delights unknown of simpler day;
with tree and gifts neatly tucked away.
What of the blessed branch of Jesse?
A little star in Bethlehem did shine;
this gift God made man could be mine.
Come forth gentry, gather closely in to
gaze upon tender shoot and hope for man.
Humble Babe in swaddling was God’s plan.
King of Kings!
Patti Wolf