I shared some reflections a few weeks ago. Although I've been a Bible learner and disciple of Christ for many years, I do not yet have this walk figured out. It's filled with missteps and mistakes, and even when I re-read some of my prior posts, I can see how I could have represented the truth more fully and adequately. It is humbling to know that God still brings truth even in our tiny bit of understanding.
Today, we start a Bible study I've refused to write for months. It is a chapter out of my dark soul and a testament to the bright communion God showed me over a long, swarthy night. I know I need to sit still and get some of the messy, messy work God has graciously done down on paper. I dread it and welcome it all in one.
Before we jump into the next book, I think we need to breathe. Often I can knock something off my list and then rush onto the next without even pausing. I’m working on this. By nature, I’m fast-paced, ambitious, and love significant challenges. I’m learning to sit. I’m learning to be still. And, I’m inviting you to do the same.
Last year, I wrote an open letter to my four boys on being men. This year, I write to a special young woman who’s been a divine interruption in the life of our family—especially those four boys I mentioned. You know who you are. And, while you are infinitely inimitable and beloved, there are other women who will understand or need to hear this unsolicited wisdom [my opinions are also free of charge] I’m going to speak into your life on International Women’s Day.
We must choose to see Jesus – we must choose to fix our eyes on Him despite all the chaos and noise. The awesome truth is that Jesus came to earth fully human (and fully God) so that He could be merciful and faithful to you. This week, we pick up with that same thought about how Jesus is our faithful High Priest in Hebrews 3.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!
Read: Luke 2:19—20
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reflect: It would be difficult to imagine what the past nine months were like for Mary. Being engaged, conceiving a child by the Holy Spirit, traveling a long distance, and experiencing the Savior’s birth. Talk about a mind-numbing roller coaster of emotions. No matter how wild your life is, the words in verse 19 are ones to etch on your soul: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary gave careful thought to all that had happened and what was told to her about this baby named Jesus. Approach this Christmas season–and your daily life–in this same manner. The words Christ speaks to you should be treasures in your heart and ponderings in your minds.
Respond: Lord God, I want to treasure up all the things You speak through Your Word and meditate on them. I want to glorify and praise Your name just like the shepherds, because what You say, You will do.
Tot Time: Chat about what a treasure is and ask the little ones to name a few treasures they have at home. Why are those items special? Talk further about how the Bible is a special treasure and we are to keep it hidden in our heart so we do not sin against God (Psalm 119:11).
The Tabernacle was to be a single unit. It had diverse structures and parts, but cohesively came together into one. Division and hatred have been in the current events spotlight recently, and I'm not going to recount those headlines or draw attention to them. Regardless of what is happening in these final days, as believers, we know where to fix, fasten, and focus our eyes: the unified Trinity.
