The morning was its usual rhythm. The coffee aroma and my alarm told my ears and nose it’s time to awaken to a new day. What should I wear? Is my middle school girl up, or will she beg for “just five more minutes mom”? Can I get in the shower before Parish? I had an early morning that day, because I needed to fix a bulletin board at one of my schools prior to meetings. The early start allowed me to leave in the dark. How quiet the earth is on early mornings in my neighborhood. As I rounded the corner, I looked up, and low to the ground was the moon.
I gasped! Tears came to my eyes as my soul quickened.
I’ve watched many different moon cycles and moon occurrences– harvest moon, new moon, etc… This moon seemed to stand alone in her quintessence glory! I’m sure if I were to go look up the reason for its occurrence, science could share all the reasons why the glory of the moon existed that morning. The moon was so low it beckoned me to chase her. I tried. I had my cell phone camera on and ready. I took this road, this street, this path, but she was so low, the trees hid her from view. Disappointed, God spoke to my heart.
My glory and bountiful blessings never need to be captured. Like me, they exist in abundance and never are hidden from you.
God’s glory.
His glory is best described through light. Christmas is a reminder of how God uses light to captivate us.
The shepherds saw a great light. They were going about their typical day when God shouted and beckoned.
The wise men studied and followed a star. They were comfortable with riches and intellectual pursuits when God beckoned them to a greater purpose.
God’s activity around light is profound and extraordinary. I had this post in my heart since my moon morning. Yesterday, Pastor Mark Jordan added to my light experience. He reminded us that Jesus, in John 8:12, told us that “I am the light of the world.” Jesus assures us that “we don’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life”.
His light showcased in the world around me, exists in me. Matthew 4:14 proclaims, “You are the light of the world!”
Me? The light of the world?
I don’t know about that God. I am ready to worship and adore You as the light of the world; but, I don’t think I could ever live up to walking in the truth of Matthew 4:14. That seems impossible and exhausting.
I pray this message for all those who come to Christmas thinking they do not have enough to give. Caught in a consumer culture that shames them if they cannot afford to buy all they feel they should. Hear the healing word of God: what you have to give cannot be bought. Your most precious gifts are the same ones Jesus gave to you. Give your time to those who need you. Give your forgiveness to those who hurt you. Give your love to all around you. You are the gift of God. You are the reason God came, and was born a poor child, and gave not as the world gives, but as only a generous spirit can give, the true spirit of Christmas. by Bishop Steven Charleston (From December 2011)
Where is God calling you to leave in order to experience His light in greater boldness? Do we wait for a choir of angels, a bright light, or miracle? May it not be! His glory has come! We celebrate “God with us”–Emmanuel! We are not a people of lack or a hidden God. Every morning is an opportunity to rise and go! You are a gift! God put you here, in this world, at this time to fulfill His purpose in your realm of influence. He will always expand your tent and move you. God is not stagnant or
blasé (apathetic to pleasure or excitement)
You may look at the moon, the stars, the seasons and become apathetic, but God, in all His glory, awakens you to a magnificent display of His glory. You may wake up to your spouse breathing next to you, but that breath is a reminder of life and one more day together. You may be angry with a coworker, frustrated with a child, or wondering about a diagnosis, but God’s love is greater, and He will walk with you through it all. All of it-lost keys, diagnosis, rejection, disappointment, and ridiculous irritability. I marvel at my ability to be irritated over the small. But God reaches down..God with us…remember…..sweet child….YOU are a gift…
Bird’s singing at my oldest daughter’s home. She sent this to me and said, “A beautiful message from Jesus.”
ARRESTED BY GRACE 