Sunday, December 20, 2015

Did They Know?

When we think of the Christmas story, we usually think of main characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Magi, and Angels. Our pastor spoke of this tonight, as sermons have been brought and songs have been sung from the own personal perspective of each of these. If you were with our youth group this past week, you would have heard a message on Herod, another individual who we read about here. Yet as I was reading along tonight, I found an additional group of people whose story is briefly mentioned among the Scriptures in Matthew 2. They might not even be considered minor characters- the mothers and fathers of the babies killed at Herod's command. This part of the story is pivotal, for with this decree we learn of the angel's appearance to Joseph, warning him to escape to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, thus fulfilling another prophecy surrounding Jesus' birth (Hosea 11:1). We know Herod ordered that all baby boys, who were two years and under, to be killed. From my understanding, the time frame that the Magi found Jesus would have been much longer than a few days. Herod's order was to cover all those who could've been born within whatever time that was, those he saw as a threat to his kingdom. 
The time issue is not my point. As I was reading these passages, it occurred to me that first of all, it is in the Word for a reason. We may not know all of those reasons. But as I read, I like to put myself in the place of those I'm reading about, and try to imagine how they felt. So, how did these mothers feel? Another prophecy is fulfilled as we read in verse 18: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more."
But as I read this, I fast-forward myself, as if I were one of those specific mothers, to thirty or so years later. 
I wonder, when He came on the scene, when they heard of Him, of His miracles, His teachings, His compassion- did they think about their own sons who would've been His age? Did they know how He had escaped death as a baby? Did they question why? I wonder, when He made His triumphal entry to Jerusalem, a neighboring city to Bethlehem, did they know it was Him? Did they know that He was that baby, born around the same time that their own was born?  No, there's no comparison to those baby boys, and Jesus, other than their ages. He was God, and there was a plan.

But, did these mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers hear the story of the Samaritan woman, how she tried to fill the void in her life with other men- until she met that Man? Did they hear of how He calmed the storms, while they may have still been drowning in their own grief? Did they hear of the healing of the blind and lame, and long for their hearts to be healed of their loss? Did they stand from a distance, and gaze to the cross, seeing His mother cry as she watched her own Son die? If they did, then surely they heard the news of His resurrection. Perhaps they were even among those who saw Him. And in Him, the One Who, if things had been different, would've grown up and played with their own children- in Him, they saw hope. Maybe they trusted in His words, His grace, and allowed it to heal the hurt they had carried for so long. Maybe.

We don't get to know how the story of these "minor characters" ends. But when we look at the Christmas story, we are somewhat like them. No, our specific names are not written in Scripture (Well, unless your mama gave you a Bible name!) But, we can find ourselves there. Whether you are like these who lost precious babies, or like the woman at the well who keeps trying to find satisfaction in the wrong things- or you are caught in the storm, and about to go under.  Yes, we find ourselves in Scripture when He says, "Whoever believes on Him"(Jn. 3:16), "Peace I give you" (Jn.14:27), "They may have life more abundantly" (Jn. 10:10), "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32).

Do you know that He's the One, the King, the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, The Living Water, The Calmer of your storm, the Comforter?

This Christmas season, look to that Baby, who is our Savior that came to bring peace and hope to wherever you find yourself today. 

Sunday, December 6, 2015

First Time for Everything

It's been a minute since I've last blogged. I guess it's because of life happening and just being busy-along with the fact that I always have 50 things running through my head, and don't take the time to just focus on one. It's hard to do when there's thoughts of  to-do lists and places to be, my husband, my children, my job, just day to day life in general.....You know how it is. Then there's just times when I can't really find the words for what I want to say. And if I don't make notes in that handy-dandy app on my phone, I have a tendency to forget. So this post is a combination of the two.
I was recently asked to sing at a funeral. This was a first for me. I wasn't sure what I would sing- I really only had one or two funeral song tracks. Then when they called back, their first song choice was one of those tracks I had.
This situation was also a little different for me, because I did not know this dear lady who had passed away. I suppose that may make it easier to sing at someone's funeral. I can't imagine trying to make it through a song for a funeral of someone I know well.
Listening to the pastor, I could tell this lady was very special. I thought as I sat there, that I sure would've liked to have known her. Then he went on to say how she's not suffering anymore, and if you were to ask her, she would say that the pain and hurt didn't matter, and it all made sense now. Tears were in my eyes at this point. 

As always, the holidays can be difficult. I think of so many who have to face the upcoming weeks of "firsts." The first Christmas without their son, daughter, husband or wife, parent, or grandparent. Every little part of the holidays, or even that entire first year is so hard. It's almost as if you can't breathe. You attend the events, the get-togethers, the church services-all with tear filled eyes. For the most part, others tiptoe around your grief. 
This year makes the 10th Christmas without Pruitt- and the 28th without my grandmother, who passed away suddenly on Christmas Eve when I was 13. It's not as hard as that first year, but holidays bring things back.
As I thought about that sweet lady's funeral, and how it was said of her that she would now say "It all makes sense now," I thought of my own sadness, along with countless others. I know those of you who are experiencing a "first" this year- or even a second or third year- you may not see how it will all make sense. No matter how long it's been, we really won't know until eternity. A line in the song I sang at the funeral says, "The shadows disappear, and my faith shall be my eyes." Finally, one day, our faith will be made sight. It will all make sense then. 
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
Even as I write this and think about comparing our suffering to the glory ahead, I feel almost ashamed to even use the word suffering when talking about my own experience when so many are truly suffering in our world. In light of recent events, persecution and turmoil, my storm seems small in comparison. Yet even so, I know that God is just as concerned about you and I as He is the rest of the world. I was reminded of that in this morning's sermon. He wants me. He loves me. He loves you. He knows how hard this upcoming "first" will be. He understands, because He experienced a first when He sent His Son to die.

A few weeks ago we were at the Cross Country state meet. I've blogged about the sport before, and I love the lessons I learn through it. I'm sure I'd learn them in a more personal way if I took up running myself......hmmm, there's a first time for everything, right? :)
As we watched our girls line up to race, I overheard a lady shout to whomever she was cheering for. This is what she said: "Run hard; I'll be waiting for you."
She would be waiting at the finish line.

Our loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord could say that to us today, but more than that, the Lord Himself says that. "Run hard, my child. I'll be waiting for you." Yes, Holy Spirit is with us now. But one day, we will see Him. Our faith will be made sight. And like that precious lady, we will say our suffering was worth it, it all makes sense now. Although it may be your first Christmas without them, it's their first with Him. Faith turned to sight. 

If you are running your race of firsts this Christmas, it's okay to cry at the gatherings and it's okay to laugh if you find yourself watching "Home Alone" or "Christmas Vacation." It's okay to skip the Christmas Eve service or let the tears fall through the entire thing. It's okay to hang that stocking again. It's okay to say their name, and share the memories.
My heart hurts for you and my eyes fill with tears even now because I remember. But know that Emmanuel, God with us, is there. He gives grace for the firsts. He knows your hurt, and that you may not see how it'll ever be worth it or make sense. 

And if you can't run hard, then crawl to His arms and be held by the Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. There you'll find that this first time won't be the last time. And you will find Him faithful every time.