L is for Longing by Lorrie Orr

 

December is a paradox of longing and joy. We move through the days of Advent waiting for and anticipating the coming of the Christ Child. Here the church calendar begins, acknowledging the darkness in which we long for light and hope. 

Longing and grief walk together, uneasy companions on difficult paths. Grief over the wars in Ukraine and Israel mingle with longing for peace and resolution. I long for loved ones to run to Jesus' open arms. Like the Psalmist, I stretch out my hands to my Lord, longing for him like a prairie dustbowl longs for rain. I ache with longing for the day when all things, big and small, will be made whole and right. 

One of the most beautiful Advent hymns says, 

"O Come, O come Immanuel,

and ransom captive Israel

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel."

When we long for wholeness and healing, we admit our brokenness and inadequacy. Without longing, joy is incomplete. And there is great joy as we celebrate Jesus' birth, for he is our salvation. 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island where sadly, there will be no snow for Christmas. Lights will twinkle and joy will prevail because Jesus is the fulfillment of her longing heart.

The View from Above by Steph Beth Nickel

The Heavenly Host waited in the wings, watching a remarkable scene unfold before them. Their commander was announcing the Messiah's birth to a group of shepherds. Shepherds! Who could have imagined it? Who except the Lord God Himself?

"Can you believe it?" The angel may have looked imposing, but he was full of questions.

"Of course I can. After all, this is what ADONAI said would happen," his closest companion said.

"But Mashiach, the Messiah, born in the obscure little town of His earthly ancestors ... That, in itself, is almost unbelievable. The Saviour born to an unassuming virgin, to be raised by a carpenter."

The angel stretched his wings. "The prophets of old proclaimed all these things."

"They did. But who could have imagined it would all come together this way?"

The second angel turned his attention to the commander. "Do not be afraid," he began.

"Easier said than done," the angel whispered.

"What was that?" the first angel asked.

"There they are. Shepherds watching over what must be the most stubborn and foolish creatures the Creator ever made. These humans have to keep the sheep from being eaten by wolves and bears through every watch of the night, no matter the weather or time of year. Wolves and bears ... who would just as likely make off with one of the shepherds if they were half as oblivious as their charges. The shepherds may not be afraid of the predators, but when the commander appears to them, lighting up the night sky, how must they feel about a directive not to be afraid?"

The second angel considered that for a moment. "You're right. Just one more mystery we must accept by faith."

"You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth ..."

The first angel shook his head. "Yeshua exchanging His royal robes for strips of cloth. Isaiah had it right when he said ADONAI Elyon's plans are higher than the plans of all humanity."

"And His thoughts higher than theirs."

The angel nodded. "Look at those men. Huddling in fear despite the commander telling them not to fear and his promise of Good News and great joy."

His companion smiled broadly. "Can you imagine how they would feel if ADONAI stood before them?"

"And, in a way, they will soon be standing before Him." He shook his head in wonder.

"And here I thought I was the one thinking clearly. That may be the most profound thing you've ever said."

"ADONAI Elohim gives us wisdom and promises it to the men and women He created—"

"That's the only way they have any hope of grasping what's going on tonight."

The first angel nodded again.

The second held up his hand. "The commander has said all the Lord instructed him to."

"And now we get to join in the most amazing event since creation. I wonder if people will write about this night."

"For millennia to come, I'm sure."

With that, they joined the rest of their company proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth shalom to men of good will."

Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

Beyond the Basic Wish List by Sharon Espeseth

Free Image of Sears Wish Book

Depending on your age, my readers, you may be familiar with Eaton’s or Sear’s Christmas Wish Book. You may remember times in your childhood, or your children’s childhood, when the arrival of the Christmas Wish Book delivered delight and anticipation to your home.

Unsplash Photo by

Annie Spratt

Now, in a more senior season of my life, I am looking forward to the coming of Christmas, still with delight and anticipation, but knowing full well that I don’t need the toys, jewels, or clothes that once turned my head.











What Do I Want for Christmas?




Any time with family is a special time. At Christmas this is especially important. The presence of family is a true gift--one for which we give thanks. Being with and connected to family and loved ones at Christmas is something one can never take for granted.


This Christmas I also want to be mindful of the gifts God gives us--the important, everlasting gifts, like unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. These are gifts, but we need to claim them. St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)





Spiritual Bonuses

Besides these overwhelming, destiny-changing presents, God gives us spiritual snacks and supports for our heavenward journey. If we want to live abundantly, or travel first-class, we merely need to ask. Jesus reminds us that, compared to earthly fathers who want to give good gifts to their children, God the Father has more resources for giving gifts to those who ask. The gift, may or may not be a new car, but God knows what we truly want and need before we ask.

Praying for the Holy Spirit would be a wise choice. Christ promised he would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and comfort us. If we ask, the Comforter will bring us all kinds of gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Promises, Promises. . .

God promises blessing to make our lives more abundant. We’ve all heard, "Promises, Promises. . . ,” sarcastically spoken. But God delivers on his promises. In all circumstances, God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

We’ll still have our hills and valleys, but God can take care of this too. Isaiah prophesies that every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4)

Then there are times when God in his wisdom sees that it is better to leave us with our impediments. Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away his “thorn in the flesh,” but the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Grace is another promised gift that is ours for the asking. God’s grace doesn’t depend on our strength or worthiness.

Be Careful What You Ask For

Solomon, young and anxious about becoming king, asked God for “a discerning heart to govern (God’s) people” and “the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was so enthused about his request that he promised Solomon he would be wiser than anyone before him and anyone after him. God’s gift of wisdom made Solomon’s reign unforgettable.

We too can ask for wisdom. In the New Testament, James advises us that if we feel lacking in wisdom, we should ask God. (James 1:5)

Jesus tells us we only need to ask and then we will receive. (Matthew 7:7-8) James warns his new-Christian readers, “You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:2b-3)

How Do We Ask for Worthy Gifts?

Jesus taught us how to ask for worthy gifts. We begin our prayer with praise and honour to God, Our Heavenly Father. Then we ask for our daily needs. It is wise to ask for deliverance from evil. We can ask forgiveness, but Jesus reminds us that we should also be willing to forgive those who wrong us.

How Can We Grow in Our Spiritual Lives?

Regularly “eating” our spiritual fruits will make life easier. Reading God’s Word and praying will help us grow. Asking for help to be more loving, joyful, patient and kind will foster better relationships with others. Although we can’t regulate how others treat us, we can ask for control over our reactions.

Satisfaction Guaranteed?

By appreciating God’s gifts, we will store up treasures in heaven where thieves can’t get at them. Fancy clothes, furniture, vehicles, gourmet foods--maybe these aren’t the big-ticket items. Christ says, “Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25b) Still, Jesus suggests we ask for “our daily bread.” And if we love our neighbour as ourselves, we will share what we have with those who are in need.

As Christ followers, we will be happier if we seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first. The rest will be added on. (Matthew 6:33) The real gifts are the ones that bring us closer to God, closer to our brother and sister, and closer to heaven.

One of the greatest gifts is our adoption into God’s family. As God’s children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. To share in his glory, however, we are expected to appreciate and share in Christ’s sufferings. (Romans 8:17)

Thank You Notes

With all these spiritual gifts available, let’s remember always, and maybe especially at Christmas, to be grateful that God sent his only Son to come into the world to live among us and to die for our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad that God planned so well for us, his children.

Creche Scene at St. Anne’s Catholic Church
in Barrhead

Paul advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) These gifts that come down from the Father are the good and perfect ones. (James 1:17) Choose well, my friends, and we will be ready to greet Emmanuel when he comes.

Prayer: During this busy, but holy season, Lord, I pray you will teach us to judge earthly matters wisely, to set spiritually meaningful priorities, and hold firmly to heavenly matters. Bless each of our InScribe colleagues and their families and loved ones, especially during this season, when we welcome Christ Emmanuel into our hearts and homes. Amen. 



* Scripture verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.

Revised by Sharon from previous iterations published in Our Family, Offerings in The Edmonton Journal 

The Mystery of Jesus’ Incarnation by Sandi Somers

Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we light the first Advent candle and honour Jesus' first coming. We also anticipate His second coming as Christ the King.

As I meditated on the meaning of Jesus coming to us, I thought of a story.

* * *

Once there was a king who loved a peasant maiden. He loved her so much, even though she was much beneath his social rank and even though she was totally unaware of him.

But there was a major problem. He was the greatest of kings. He had the power to make even the greatest aristocrats tremble before him, and he had the strength to crush all his opponents. And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden. But he dared not utter a word to anyone lest they think he was mad.

The king suffered in private grief at such an absurd impossibility. How could he find a solution?

He knew that there was a wide gulf between them. Whereas he belonged in a world of kings and could speak eloquently on many subjects in many languages, her world was of her home and gossip in the village. Her companions were birds and animals of the forest.

How could he show his love towards her? If he rode up to her cottage in his gold carriage, in his royal robes, with his decorated horseman and armed escort, he would overwhelm her. 

As his loyal subject, she would be obliged to accept his offer of marriage. Would she accept willingly? Or would she tremble in fear in his presence? Would she feel crushed by the restrictions of living in a palace? By not being able to dress as she wanted or walk around her cottage and garden with bare feet? 

The king didn't want her to be a cringing subject. He didn’t want to destroy her. He wanted her to love him as an equal and let mutual love cross the gulf between them.

But how could he breach that gulf?

The more the king wrestled with this dilemma, the more convinced he became that he could not elevate her without crushing her. 

Peasants in the Field-Camille Pissarro

There was only one thing he could do. He would renounce his throne and descend to her social status. He would throw off his royal robes and become a peasant, wooing her as one of her own.

As soon as he made his decision, the king knew freedom. He knew joy. He knew it could be done.^[i]

* * *

This story, adapted from Soren Kierkegaard, is a perfect allegory of what Jesus did for us in His descent to earth. He became Immanuel, “God with us”. He closed the chasm that existed in the Old Testament when His appearance as flaming fire or as angels frightened people. 

Jesus came in a way we can understand—a baby who needed tending and care for all his needs, and an adult who got tired and sometimes knew he needed to get away from crowds.

Jesus came to set us free through His work on the Cross. And now we have freedom in a personal relationship with Him, and to love him in return.

What better way to articulate the meaning of Jesus as Immanuel than a Christmas greeting written by a persecuted believer while imprisoned in Iran. Farshid Fathi wrote:

Although the beauty of Christmas or the signs of Christmas cannot be found in this prison, with the ears of faith I can hear the everlasting and beautiful truth that, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”[iii]

And more than ever I am experiencing that He is with us, with me and my children, with me and with my faithful friends who are having part in my sorrows and not ashamed of my sorrows.

 May…God carry you ahead victoriously as He spreads the aroma of His knowledge, because we are called to be free… 

Your captive brother who is free in Christ.[iv] (2014)

Farshid Fathi

After writing this blog, I have a new understanding of Jesus as Immanuel. I'll never again think of Him as I did before. 

* * *

This Advent, take moments to clear the clutter of shopping, to-do lists and distractions to focus on Jesus’ Incarnation and what it means to you. Read Philippians 2:6-8.

Thank Him for closing the gap and coming to give us new life and freedom through his atoning work on the Cross.

---

[i] Soren Kierkegaard. Philosophical Fragments. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. 1936, 1962. Pp.  31-43. Philip Yancey. Disappointment with God. New York: HarperPaperbacks. 1988. Pp. 109-110.

[iii] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23

[iv] https://www.elam.com/article/farshids-christmas-letter

Oh, That My Words Were Written by Sharon Espeseth

Benjamin Smith with Unsplash

"Oh, that my words were now written! Oh, that they were printed in a book. (Job  19:23 Jubilee Bible 2000) This is Job speaking. Satan has convinced God to let him have his way with Job--short of ending his life. Ravaged by calamity and the feebleness of old age, Job sits with his friends who commiserate with him and are ready to blame Job or God for Job's horrendous situation.

Job wishes he could write a book to tell the world what he knows: "For I know that my redeemer lives, And at the last He will take his stand on the earth."

I begin today's post with Old Testament drama. Job may not have written a book, but he does have a book of the Bible named after him. Then, after this difficult stage of his life, he went back to living a fruitful and fulfilling life.  

Now for today!

Free Image of Advent Calendar

Advent is here. Christmas is coming. So is the end of the year!

Although many of us love the Christmas season, December blows in with its own angst. As the twelfth month is about to blow right past us, we can't help but wonder what happened to the year of 2018 when we were going to move our writing projects much further along. At least I was. . .

With this blog, I offer you two gifts, which you can take, leave, or postpone.

Gift One: Review of The Pomodoro Method

Pomodoro Google Free Image

The Pomodoro Method, which I've written about before, is based on the book, The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo, which I haven't read.

You don't need to read the book to get an understanding of this popular time management method. If you google "The Pomodoro Method," you will find several good sites that explain this--some with written explanation and diagrams; some with videos.

I suspect many of you are already familiar with this method, so I'm leaving the research or review up to you

What I do bring to your attention is that the Pomodoro system can also help you accomplish lists of tasks you have been procrastinating on--phone calls, cleaning, decorating tasks, personal notes on Christmas cards or letters, etc. If you're feeling bogged down with Christmas details, you could try them the Pomodoro way.


Gift Two: A List of Writing Prompts for the Season

Why would I give you a list of Christmas writing prompts in the middle of December when there are so many Christmas-related activities, make that duties, demanding your attention?

Answers 

Because it's easier to write about Christmas in December than it is in July. You have the setting, the smells, sights, sounds, and emotions related to the season. Note to self: Not all emotions are upbeat.

Because you could use a break and a chance to do something just because you want to.

Because you will gain a sense of accomplishment.

Because you might find 25 minutes (Pomodoro style) to write a first draft.

Because you can take, leave, or postpone this writing until after the 25th or even until January when your memories are still simmering.

Behold the Prompts

• What if I can't--physically or metaphorically--go home for Christmas?
• The best Christmas I ever spent
• So this is Christmas
• The most important item on my Christmas to-do list
• The doctor told my friend he'd be around for another Christmas
• Getting the Christmas tree
• An unusual guest
• An unbelievable Christmas
• A troubling Christmas
• My first Christmas with the person I would marry
• Family traditions: What are they? How did they start? Why I love them, or not?
• My favourite Christmas carol
• An incident at work, school, or church during the Christmas season--something deeply affecting
• Something I need to write today
• A visitor from Christmas past, present, or future

Spiritual Possibilities
• How will I ready the way of the Lord?
• How can I exalt this valley that I'm in?
• How will I bring these mountains low or makes these crooked ways straight?
• What would I have done in Mary's circumstance? Joseph's, Mary's mother Anne's circumstance?
• How would I react to the angel's message about fleeing into Egypt?
• Describe the Magi's journey.

Hoping and praying for a wonderful Christmas season to you, my fellow/sister writers. May you and your family be blessed and may you end the writing year of 2018 on a positive note. Amen

The Gift of Waiting by Karma Pratt

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 

Psalms 37:7 (NASB)

There is life in the midst of the waiting. In this time, this period of Advent, we wait for the already / not yet Kingdom of God; that place where we live in the midst of the mess and still reach our hands toward the heavenly places. We exist in the tension of the in between, and we try to make the best of our time. 

We make time meaningful by tending to Christmas traditions - sometimes old traditions passed down from one generation to the next, and sometimes new traditions forged in the depths of changing lives and circumstances. As our family has grown, the blending of old and new has come together in a wonderful tapestry of red, green and gold. Christmas colours abound, silver bells ring out, and we all inhale the anticipation and excitement of the big day. 

December 25th has taken on new meaning now that we have kids. We all take turns sneaking candies off of freshly decorated gingerbread houses. We make wish lists for Santa and open doors on advent calendars. We are taking advent to new depths this year with readings from Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.

 I had hoped to add a Jesse tree to our daily countdown but life had other plans and I was not able to get myself organized in time. For the first time ever, we have a wee elf on the shelf instead. She adds a new level of excitement to this already exhilarating waiting game. 

Angel the Elf approves of our gingerbread house

Our traditions are an interesting blend of the secular and the sacred. I believe there's room for all of it. As we learn about the wide range of Christmas traditions, we begin to recognize that the Kingdom story is woven throughout. The generosity of Saint Nicholas ("He was a real person!" my daughter explains to me) is applauded even as we search for significance within the Christmas story itself. 

The stars on our tree and in our front window remind us of the star that guided the first worshipers to the Messiah. The red and white striped candy canes do not simply add a delightful crunch to the peppermint bark; their colours also remind us of the blood of the lamb and the grace that washes us white as snow. There are so many layers of meaning to unwrap this Advent.

We wait for the return of the risen King. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it's the crucified Son of Man that makes my soul leap within me. This life - the One given for all - this gift is the one I cannot help but be humbled by. My heart beats fast while I concurrently attempt to slow the rhythm of these fast paced days. 

One thing I'm learning in the midst of Advent is that I can't possibly do all the things. I am learning to lean into that which lifts my spirits, and let go of that which adds stress. It's a process. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to wait for the Risen King to return. In the mean time, we honour him with our lives, our love, our hope in the Spirit of giving that exists at Christmas. As faithful servants and honoured guests at God's table, we wait to be poured out like a drink offering, much like Paul (2 Timothy 4:6).

How do you wait? Are you patient in your stillness? Do you "quiet your heart in his presence and pray" as it is written Psalms 37:7a, The Passion Translation? Or are you an inpatient "waiter"? The one who gets up early and shakes all the gifts under the tree, or can't fall asleep to begin with because you're too excited? No matter which way you tend to lean, it is my prayer that this season of Advent would be a positive one for you. I pray you find yourself in the waiting and deepen your relationship with Christ this Christmas season.

***

Karma writes from the golden house in Northeastern BC. You can connect with her online at redraincoatcreations.com

The Gift of Advent by Karma Pratt

This Christmas season I've been contemplating the gift of Advent. The gift of waiting. We wait for the coming of Christ, with a breathless anticipation that precedes His coming. We find expectant hope and joy in our hearts, and in the faces of our children. We experience peace and love so extravagant they defy description. We are offered grace, freely given, so that we may have life, and life to the full. 

I've been contemplating what it means to truly experience Advent. Not the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but the moments of quiet reflection interspersed with raucous laughter and excited squeals from two four year old's who can hardly contain themselves as the countdown to Christmas continues. 

"Advent is a four-Sunday wait for the coming of Jesus. It's two-fold: we're mirroring the ancient wait for the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem but we're also waiting with all of creation for the second coming of Jesus, the arrival that will wipe every tear from every eye and heal every brokenness and redeem all things."*   

This waiting is truly an incredible gift. It causes something to stir in us, something that perhaps can be forgotten or pushed aside in the busyness of every day life. Advent requires us to pause and reflect on the true gift of life we have been given. 

I contemplate the coming of Christ and give thanks every time I light the candle on our window sill, breathlessly pouring prayer into and over the light. This small thanksgiving offering - lighting a candle - becomes a symbol of the very image of Jesus, the Light of the World. The gift recipient and the gift giver become one in Christ. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old is gone, the new is here!

2Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I contemplate the coming of Christ as the tree is decorated. It's such a joyous occasion, one can't help but smile through the untangling of lights, and the careful application of ornaments. There is tangible anticipation in the voice of a small boy repeating, "Pease! Pease! Pease! Christmas Star?" so that no one forgets that he, himself, would like to install that shiny star on the top of the tree, please, please, please. That star, representative of the one that shone bright enough to guide angels and wise men to the manger, is a gift; a holy reminder of God's redemptive gift given to the entire world.

I contemplate the coming of Christ as I hear small girl exclaiming, "I wish Christmas was every day!" There's so much hope in those words, so much excitement, and so much potential for truth. What would life be like, I wonder, if we continued to live as though Christ was coming everyday, even after the tree has been taken down, and the decorations put away? Sometimes we forget, but this is the true gift: the Risen King has come, and he lives in us. He defeated death, so that we may live. As we walk out our lives as Christ followers, disciples, believers, we are drawn ever inward to the mystery and grace that is Christ Jesus. 

What a gift that we can come together, and come to Christ in this way. 

My prayer is that each of us would take the time to still ourselves in the midst of Advent, and more so, in the midst of busyness, so that we may truly experience what it means to wait on the King.

May you be blessed this Christmas season,

Karma

*Sarah Bessey, Field Notes: A Monthly E-Newsletter (see http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a792d55e162ffe4c6fd3682e5&id=145dc5fc24&e=947516369f)

The Advent-ure of Love …. by Jocelyn Faire

If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life.  (Anonymous, but quoted by Sarah Ban Breathnach in Simple Abundance)

“What does it feel like to be loved?”

The question is asked of my daughter who lives with her husband and three small children in a N African Islamic country. The lady who poses the question is heavy with her third child. Last December I joined my daughter to invite neighbours to attend a Ladies event to experience the flavour of a Canadian Christmas. In that country they do not celebrate December 25th, they do not get caught up in ribbons and bows, in getting the right turkey, the right gifts … they do that for other cultural events. As we spread the word about the party, one of the ladies said “everyone wants to be at her house.” It is a house of welcome, a safe house of light and love. This year, I could not be there and encouraged my daughter in whatever way I

could, mainly prayer from wintery Canada. She is eight hours ahead, so it was early Friday afternoon that the first details came through: “a house full of women, rich conversation, laughter, fun, food.” Via WhatsApp she said “And one pregnant woman who did not have the two dinars (about a dollar) for a taxi ride, walked seven kilometres to come.”  I was moved to tears as I read. That woman walked seven kms because she felt loved and accepted by my daughter. My daughter does not preach, she invests herself into their lives … she cares, she also gives this woman a ride home.

What does it feel like to be loved? Three weeks ago, I heard a fable by Max Lucado. This is now my retelling of his telling … As the prince rode throughout the land, he took note of a peasant woman, he fell in love with her … he proposed marriage. She wanted to refuse … how could he love her, he lived in a castle, she was just a common woman. He insisted that He loved her for who she was, and he wanted to marry her. She still responded in doubt, but as he seemed quite persistent, she said,  she could cook and clean for him, and bear his children … He said, “I do not want you because you can cook and clean, and bear children. I want you to be my wife because I love you” …. They married; she cooked and cleaned and bore his children, but somehow she never trusted his love. In the end she left him, and said to one of her friends, “I never really felt that he loved me.”  

Something stirred my heart at this story, as I have often wondered if God, who says He is

love, could love me? What does it feel like to be loved by the creator of the universe? I have learned that grief does not feel like love …. but the question hangs in the air. Do actions speak louder than words? I do believe that Christmas is Love in Action.

How will I spend the final advent hours? May I take time to feel the desert wind, to gaze at a star and to ponder the birth of new understanding. The final word is Immanuel, God with us, through each season of life, through the longing and the filling, in the journey through the desert. 

Why settle for tinsel, when we are offered the kingdom? 

Read about The Advent-ures of Hope, Joy, Peace on Jocelyn's blog at:

http://whoistalking.wordpress.com

Jocelyn is the author of Who is Talking out of My Head-Grief as an out of Body Experience. 

candle image by www.drew-fuller.com

Idiom Living and the Ultimate Metaphor by Connie Inglis

For any Trekkies out there. 

Idioms are an intriguing facet of language. Discovering unique ones is fun for me. There are lots in the Thai language which I have shared before (see my post Feb. 11, 2014), but every language has them. I like this one in French:  J’ai besoin de vos lumières. The literal translation is, "I need your lights" but the English equivalent would be more like, "I need to pick your brain" which, ironically, is also an idiom.

I could not think of a creative way to segue from the topic of idioms into this month's topic of Christmas and thoughts of the past year so bear with me as I connect the dots.

In the middle of November two things happened that gave me focus this Christmas: 1. My pastor asked me to write an advent poem through the four Sundays of Advent. 2. I started a personal study of the book of John. The theme of light was so startling to me in John 1 that that became my focus for my advent poem and for the Christmas season.

I think I was drawn to the theme of light because it is the antithesis of the difficult, sometimes dark year our family has been through. I began researching the word "light'" for my poem, and that's where the idioms come in. I came across a list of "light" idioms. They sounded so familiar as I read them. Then I realized I had used these or heard these idioms all year: make light of (a situation); bring to light; to be light years away from (something); see the light of day; light at the end of the tunnel; light a fire under; shed light on; see in a new light; the light dawned. Finally, the light dawned.

Was my year really just a year of idiom living? Of relying on idioms that can soon become cliche? I wanted to believe that that was not the case. Because, while these idioms are fine on their own, they are not solid enough to live by.

That's when I started reading John, who does not focus on idioms but on metaphors. And there it was--the ultimate "light" metaphor. John 1:4-8 says, "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the Light, that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but came to bear witness about the Light." And then in John 8:12, Jesus Himself says, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” That's the kind of focus I wanted and the perspective I needed. And that is His desire for our lives.

Idiom living might sound deceptively fine. But Jesus doesn't want us living that way. He wants us to live by the metaphors of who He is: He is Light. He is Love. He is Life. Small "l" idioms are but a dim reflection of capital "L" metaphors. This Christmas I am focusing more on those capital "L" metaphors as I think about how Jesus "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Phil. 2:7) He is Love. He is Light. He is Life. Jesus says, "Come and SEE!"

Cry Out! What Shall I Cry? by Sharon Espeseth

Isaiah cried out that the Lord was coming and that the people should prepare his way. By his foretelling, Isaiah was preparing the way of the Lord. To prophecy, however, means more than "to foretell." To prophecy is also defined in Gage Canadian Dictionary as to "speak when or as if divinely inspired."

The Christian Classics Ethereal Library online (ccel.org) says, "A prophet of God was not primarily a future teller, but one who spoke God's word to the people of his day. The word "prophet" literally means 'to boil up like a fountain." Isaiah was a spokesman for God to the people of his day. Because he spoke so much about the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah is often referred to as the Messianic prophet.

Isaiah is quoted more than 40 times in the New Testament. Some refer to the Book of Isaiah as "the fifth gospel" or the "Gospel according to Isaiah." (‎www.dovercoc.org/Sermons/isaiah.html)

Before reading further in this blog, my friends, you would do well to read Isaiah Chapter 40.

In this chapter, we read God's words through Isaiah, a familiar passage: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," and "A voice of one calling in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord."
The whole chapter speaks of how God cares for his people. So beautifully is this written, and so great is the message of God's watching over his children like a shepherd, that it is a memorable read. We learn of God the Creator who never tires or grows weary in looking after us, our causes and concerns. Isaiah reminds us that God gives strength to the weary and that, when we hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength so we will soar on eagles' wings.

This being Advent, we await the celebration of Jesus coming to earth, where he became Emmanuel, or "God with us." Having accepted Christ's love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation, it is incumbent on us to share this Good News in our writing and in our daily living. At the same time, we must prepare ourselves for Christ's second coming.

Today, just as in Isaiah's time there are wars, political instability, and clashes of ideology and religions. It was in times like this, that a voice said to Isaiah, "Cry out."

To this, Isaiah responded, "What shall I cry?" The rest of the chapter explains the message to be given, and it is to be given boldly. We are to go up on a high mountain and lift up our voice with a shout. We are not to be afraid to say, or to write, to the people, "Here is your God!"

What shall we cry? We believers in Christ have, through our faith, experienced love, hope, joy, and peace--attributes that are emphasized during Advent, attributes much needed in today's world. Should not God's working in our lives be something that causes us "to boil up like a fountain"?

Like Isaiah, we are commanded to prepare the way of the Lord. We are to comfort God's people and give them true hope in God. We are to straighten out as much as we can in this world and in our lives. By helping others, we make some of "the rough ground level" and the "rugged places plain." By living and sharing the good news of salvation, ". . . the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together."

The Giving Season by Karma Pratt

Ah, Christmas. So much joy and so much fun. Or... so much stress and so much darkness. Depending on your experiences, Christmas can mean merriment and wonder, or possibly sadness and dismay. I have been blessed to experience more of the merriment than the sadness in my life. When I look beyond my own comfy corner, though, I see a world where many are struggling and it makes me aware of the importance of not taking our good life for granted. In the blustery busyness of this season, we can get caught up in the whirlwind and forget what matters most. 

I want to step away from the platitudes, the millions of "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmases" spoken by rote, rather than by heart. I want to move toward more meaningful exchanges: kindness shared over cups of coffee and breaking of bread, or even just a genuine exchange between strangers at the grocery store.

I want to separate myself from the myriad of commercialized notions of what Christmas is and how we celebrate together: Trim the tree, stuff the bird, stuff the family, sit back, relax, eat too much, show "love" through mountains of sweet treats piled high on platters, and witness the tightening of waistbands in the aftermath.

Instead I pray for thanks offerings and gratitude, for open hearts and minds, for the opportunity to offer our best - not in trade - but without thought of reciprocation, recognizing the grace poured out over us by the One who gave it all and sharing that grace freely.

I want to step back from the need to "count the cost" of each gift under the tree. "Did we spend the same on each child? Have we treated everyone fairly?" my inner worrier wonders. Perhaps the blessing is to be found in our presence rather than the piles of presents?

With that in mind, I want to give my children gifts that last. My presence at the table is better than any toy I can wrap. My patience, love and kindness, ever growing and brightening through Jesus' transformation of this old heart, are more valuable than glitter and gold. His new mercy everyday leads to my renewal. What a blessing, and what a gift to be able to pass along to those I love the most. 

I want to step away from my desire to buy into the sparkling lights and shiny wrapping, and remember all those who won't be celebrating Christmas with friends and family this year.  

The reality is, sometimes all we can give is our hearts in gratitude and our hands in prayer. These become the offering when nothing else will do. As part of Advent this year, I wrote a prayer for Syrian refugees. I just kept thinking, "what do you give when you have nothing left?" This is the answer I came up with: Advent - Beyond Measure

I have many jumbled thoughts on what to give and how to live this Christmas season. At the end of the day, I offer you this blessing (courtesy of Jesus): 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Wishing you joy and peace throughout the giving season.

In Jesus' name,

Karma

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Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. She loves words, art, creativity, God, and people, although not necessarily in that order. 

You can find Karma online at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn