We're coming into the Holiday Season now. Thanksgiving is "over", Black Friday has passed, and how we're coming to the Reason for the Season.
Over the last couple of weeks, every morning that it's not cloudy or foggy, I see a huge star in the sky. A star in the heavens.
Now, I know it's not really a star, it's a comet that has become huge enough to see with the naked eye. I don't care what science calls it, it's a beautiful sight.
As I walk the Chihuahua, I look at that star and contemplate a night about 2000 years ago, when another huge star lit up the sky. I'm sure, like this comet, that star blazed suddenly one night and stayed bright until the Kings arrived, bringing gifts to the Messiah.
Now honestly, Jesus most likely wasn't born on December 25, 00AD. The exact date is really not all that important. The early Church chose a convenient date that fits into many mythologies and didn't interfere with the harvest. It's all good as far as I'm concerned. It's good to have a day in the midst of winter to celebrate the coming of the Messiah. During the gloomiest days of the year, I look forward to a bright shining day filled with love.
But as I look at that star every morning, I wonder, what would Jesus think of us today? Would He be happy with our tradition of giving during this Season? Or would He throw over the tables in the malls and tell us that we're corrupting His message of Love and Sacrifice? Would He be happy to see us in the churches, the synagogues, the mosques, each celebrating the Lord God Almighty according to our own beliefs? Or would He stand outside and tell us that we're hypocrites, showing up for our holy days like we're Believers, and living in sin the rest of the year?
What would Jesus do?
And I ask myself, am I doing enough? I'm struggling along, somehow juggling and managing to pay most of my bills. How can I give more? What can I do to Bless others less fortunate than myself?
Jesus would "take no prisoners".
He'd tell me flat out that I'm supposed to give without considering my own selfish materialism. I'm supposed to love my Brothers and Sisters, no matter how badly they look or smell or act. I'm supposed to help support the widows and orphans and other single moms. I'm supposed to forgive those who've done me wrong. I'm supposed to share my Blessings, even when it hurts. In fact, especially when it hurts.
Jesus has never been one to hold back when someone needed to be told what to do. The New Testament laid it out for us in no uncertain terms. The Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts, telling us to give, to forgive, to Bless and be Blessed. All we have to do is listen.
All too often, we forget the Reason for the Season ended in THE ultimate Sacrifice. We celebrate His Birth, but we don't look forward to the ending until Resurrection Day arrives in the Spring.
His Sacrifice was for us all.
My life may just a blink of a mighty Eye, but Jesus loves me anyway. He came, He lived, He taught, He sacrificed Himself, and then He rose from death to show us the Way.
The least I can do is to honor not just His birth at Christmas, but also His Life and Sacrifice. He did it for me. He did it for you. He did it for us all.
He is that Star in the Heavens, shining to remind us all that time is short, there is work to be done. It's our job to get out there and get busy. Even if it hurts.
A Star in the Heavens shines tonight.
I'm sure science will have an explanation when it fades. That's all good too. I don't really need a scientist to tell me why.
I know that it shines for me and for you, a reminder of a night about 2000 years ago, when He came to live, He came to die for us all...
Saturday, November 24, 2007
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2 comments:
You are right – Jesus calls us to act everyday, not just today.
I’d like to say more, to leave a passionate moving comment displaying my own journalistic ability, but the TRUTH is you hit the nail on the head.
I’ve lived my Christian life, the last decade or so, sacrificing everything for the sake of others, and it always seemed I lost a lot more then I ever gained – but you know what, I helped a lot of people as well.
It’s all a test of faith and trust, Jesus gave us a path – a responsibility and Christmas is his ‘birthday,’ honestly I think its exactly what Jesus would want for us to celebrate the day of his birth, as he asks us to celebrate everyday of his life.
Because Jesus so loved us, that he took the pain and sin of mankind onto his shoulders and offered us a chance to conquer the weight of our father’s sins.
Need proof?
You’re talking to a kid who's first memory is the copper taste of his own blood, a kid whose life was little more then fear and anger – now I’ve made it further then anyone else in my small country town ever has.
All through the strength of the one true god and my faith in his ability to make me more then just some black-eyed punker with a fist full of hate and persecution.
It was a pleasure to read your thought -- and don't worry, just because you can't see the star, dosn't mean it isn't there.
Maybe you've just go to learn of a new way of looking at the sky?
Always follow your dreams,
LIAM GRAY
Bless you! And may He bless your Path today and every day.
Yes, I contemplate a lot as I go through my days. I've come a longggg way and am still struggling along. But that star in the sky gives me Hope and Faith that all is truly well, that I just have to keep struggling along on the Path set before me.
And you're so right, He wants us to celebrate every day.
His star sings in my heart. I feel it singing in yours too.
Have a blessed day!
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