God’s presence

One Letter Makes a Difference…

Sometimes in preparing for milestones, or even just in going through ordinary life experiences, the process, rhythm, and circumstances can start to feel like a millstone around one’s neck. In the Gospel according to Luke, the Presentation in the Temple (chapter 2, verses 22 through 40), Mary is told of her son, by an elderly man… a man whom she probably never met before, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” That seems pretty heavy. It leaves one to wonder what kind of impact the experience may have had on Mary.

Looking back, we know from Scripture that Mary also experienced the words of the Angel Gabriel, prior to Jesus’ birth, during the Annunciation of the Lord (Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 through 38), “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” …, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The Angel Gabriel, also shares news with Mary about her relative, Elizabeth, who is barren… deemed a helpless situation, now expecting a child. Gabriel closes by saying, “for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Jumping ahead to the Presentation of the Lord again, we learn that the Holy Family also encountered an elderly woman in the temple, also likely unknown to them. Like, Simeon, this woman, Anna, a widow, had also been waiting. Unlike, Simeon, though, who was led by the Spirit into the temple at the time of the presentation, Anna, was already in the temple, fasting and praying throughout each day. While there circumstances were different, both Simeon and Anna, were waiting and hanging onto, not only the Word of God, but also God’s presence.

It is written of Simeon’s actions:

“…he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,…’”

We also learn of Anna’s actions:

“she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”

After the presentation in the temple, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth, where, it is written, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

One need not imagine the uncertainty that Mary and Joseph, Simeon, or Anna faced throughout life. While not exactly the same, it is similar to the uncertainty that each of us faces.

To hope… to believe… to trust and persevere, sometimes, one needs to go back and remember the word and works of God. To stay in the presence of them, wrapping them around oneself, holding onto God’s word… God’s presence, before, as well as while, continuing on in faith, and moving forward, regardless of whether it feels like a millstone or a milestone.

From the moment of creation, the favor of God is upon each of us.

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Through and through…

In the closing days of the Christmas season, as the last of the lights are taken down and decorations put away, it can seem like the good feelings of Christmas are also packed away. However, the Spirit of Christmas, Love, is within us, all the time.

It is written in Psalm 29:

The voice of the Lord is over the waters,
the Lord, over vast waters.
The voice of the Lord is mighty;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.

Like the Spirit of Christmas, the voice of God, is not something that can be sealed in a box and put away. It reaches far and stretches wide, beyond what one can imagine. The Apostle Peter was inspired by it when he stated, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).

In Scripture, it is also written:

The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son, listen to him. – Mark 9:7

What would everyday life look like, if each of us envisioned every other person as being chosen by God? What kind of impact might there be if the Spirit of Christmas… the Spirit of God… the voice of God was the music carried around, listened to, and shared in thoughts, words, and deeds, as much as possible, each day?

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Love must be as much a light as it is a flame.” It is intended to burn bright, and to be both given and received.

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On Deck…

In a time and place where focus can often be drawn toward what’s next or what’s on deck, there stands Epiphany, ever calling one back, gently, to pause in the Light.

Seeing that careful observation was part of their daily practice, those who were called wise, not only saw the sign, but were also aware of its significance and moved by it into action.

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. – Matthew 2:2

According to Scripture, the magi came from the east and journeyed over the course of days and nights, and then some more days and nights, not knowing the exact destination. Yet, they remained faithful, eventually reaching the place to which they were guided.

Path

What about those from the west? And those already there? Did they also see the star from its rising? What signs did they see or hear? Were they too closed, or too quick to assume that what they were waiting and looking for, could not possibly be in their midst already?

What, if anything, did they recognize?

See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory. – Isaiah 60:2

Epiphany

It’s Still Water…

Although we had come expecting to see a variety of colors, bright and beautiful, as in other spots around the water, what we came upon was much more subtle, but also bright and beautiful.

Standing at the water’s edge, initially, the stillness and clarity of the pond was so peaceful, drawing us closer, putting us in awe. Looking further out, ripples seemed to suddenly appear, although given the gentle, steady breeze, they were likely there all along, only becoming more prominent as one’s glance stretched past the calmness of the water that was closest by. Beyond the trembles, across, to the other side of the pond was more stillness. It was in the trees of mostly green, and further, the sky also steady and calm. Taken altogether, perhaps making a ripple sandwich. Oftentimes, the uneven spots are gently held between, or surrounded by, the ones that carry peace.

Rejoice

Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and the Lord’s strength, constantly seek the Lord’s face. – Psalm 105:3-4

Light that Works Wonders…

Throughout the ages people in various cultures around the world have discovered and used what is found in nature as remedies for one ailment or another. A star among these natural medicinal resources is the sun. The light provided by the sun has been known to disinfect, heal wounds, straighten curved bones, lift moods, and more, in addition to aiding our sight as we make our way throughout each day.

At the opposite end of the day, there is the moon and stars, which also provide light and a sense of direction throughout the night. When combined, the light from the sun, the moon, and the stars, radiant and powerful as they may be, are but a portion of the light of God.

No longer shall the sun
be your light by day,
Nor shall the brightness of the moon
give you light by night;
Rather, the Lord will be your light forever,
your God will be your glory. – Isaiah 60:19

In creation, the Source is always greater than the sum of its parts. That is what faith is all about. It is trusting that God, and the grace of God, is ever present. It is believing despite not having all the answers. It is embracing each moment, making the sacrifice, taking the risk, seeking what is just, and living from the heart that knows, anything is possible through God.

If the sun and various other natural elements in creation can be the cause of an abundance of healing, then how much more magnificent, that which can occur through the hands of our Creator.

In all situations, in every place, and at all times, seek the Light, soak it in, and through the grace of God, take courage, transform, and be the Light.

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Through the Tunnel…

As we drove into the darkness of the tunnel, the bright, sunny day behind us, I lifted my sunglasses, resting them on top of my head. Now what had been too dark, was still dim compared to before, but bright enough to see with the lights along the inside walls. We traveled forward, staying strictly within one lane, continuing at a steady pace, and eventually we could see sunlight once more as we neared the other end of the tunnel and the road opened up before us.

Sometimes, among the mountains, hills, and valleys of life, there are the plateaus, pitfalls, and tunnels too. Through it all though, the grace of God lives and breathes. It seeps into each and every crevice, pours into spaces that are wide, washes over and takes root wherever there is a soul willing to give into it… ready to succumb.

The goodness of God exists from beginning to end, in every place, and at all times.

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Just Like That…

Ready to pack up and go, the automatic start button was pressed, the lights came on, but the engine did not. I thought, oh no! Not now! But now it was.

The events that unfolded from a number of failed attempts to start the car, the roadside technician whose heart led him to look and work where the company’s book says not to look and work, and through the remaining tasks of the day were all unexpected. However, the initial sting and set back on time, gave way to a number of experiences of the kindness of strangers, of both those helping and those in need of help, and the gift of joy waiting to be recognized as the hand of God, providing a lift for each and every one of us.

So often, things happen just like that.

Just like that, Jesus breathed his last breath and it was over (Mark 15:37). One can only imagine what it was like for those who believed. Certainly, they did not expect what had happened to occur.

Despite Jesus’ words and the foretelling of his death and resurrection, clearly, it seemed more than they could understand. Prior to his last breath, Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) What did those closest to Jesus think, and how did they feel about what was happening? We all experience moments of feeling surprised, shocked, blind-sided, or abandoned. After some time to absorb what has transpired, though, there is the important question of “What now?”

It is in looking to, “What now?” that those among the closest to Jesus discovered that what may have seemed like the end was rather the beginning of something new. Not only that, but they were also reminded of the truth. To talk the talk is important, but to also walk it is difficult, impossible without sacrifice, and at times, may also seem like it is not worthwhile.

As you approach each day, remember:

While there may be lots of big, bad, bloated wolves in the world, their power is far outweighed by those who are kind, honest, caring, and wise;

Seeking to truly put God’s will first in both word and deed enables faith, hope and love to achieve all that otherwise may seem less than worthwhile, useless, or even impossible;

Light always conquers darkness, often in ways that we could not imagine, understand, or design on our own;

When being truthful with oneself, it is clear that the ends does not justify the means;

Every breath that any one of us takes is precious; and

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118).

Praise God!

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