December 12th & 13th, 2023
I am delayed yet again in posting but am glad you stopped by today. As in the title of the book I chose for advent, “An Unlikely Advent,” my real life advent continues to be unlikely as well. The feeling of being overwhelmed weighs on my heart but I endeavor to make Christmas joyful! My heart is excited for this time of year of celebrating and honoring the birth of Jesus; however, my “behind the scenes” activities cause me to feel the void of the absence of my parents this season. I would not describe my feeling as sad necessarily, and I will miss them terribly. No, this Christmas for me is about connections with family. God, the main character of this season is also “behind the scenes” working within my life. By no means am I placing God in the shadows, or casting as a minor character; God makes all things work for good. We, mere mortals often do not recognize the hand of God working within our lives but when we do “WOW” it is beyond any imaginable possibility of our comprehension.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)
During this second week of Advent, the theme is that of “Peace.” In what ways are you experiencing “Peace” this week? I can say that yesterday and today, I have an overall feeling of “peace” unfolding from the inside out. I am experiencing less chaos and turbulence within my daily activities. I’ve been able to relax and enjoy significant people in my life. Just yesterday, with so many things on my “to do list” I allowed myself some grace to be present with myself and those around me. My time is limited with my work schedule and living an hour and a half from my parents home; of which, I’ve been traveling back and forth on my weekends to pack up the house for selling. Yesterday, I had the privilege of having coffee and breakfast with my brother, to start my day. Then, my second cousin, Kayla, who has been staying in my parent’s home just happened to have the day off. I suggested we go shopping specifically for her dietary needs. I suggested “Trader Joe’s” as they carry many organic and gluten free items. After a quick google search the closest was over an hour away, so we decided after we had finished a few tasks to make the journey. God presented us with a gorgeous sunny day for the drive. We listened to classic Christmas songs on Pandora radio and engaged in so many topics of conversation. We shared some of our struggles in life, our accomplishments of overcoming those struggles. We discussed how God has and continues to work in and through our lives. I was able to share some “life lessons” I’ve learned so far in life. We shared challenges we have faced in life and how during difficult times we often can’t see how God is working and making a way for us. Most importantly, God does not delight in our pain and struggles. He loves us and if we are honest with ourselves, the struggles we face are based upon not so great of decisions on our part. Hence, the conversation of “free will” was discussed. What a blessing to be able to share my faith and my less than perfect life. None of us are perfect, we are sinful humans living in an imperfect world. I’m not saying this as an excuse for my decisions or the paths I have traveled so far in life. What I am saying is, I’m thankful for the grace and mercy of God, for my salvation which was paid for by Jesus. Jesus, the baby we celebrate this season who became one of us, to save all of us. Let that just simmer on your heart; “Jesus, the baby we celebrate this season who became one of us, to save all of us.”
Getting back to the biblical “behind of scenes” of an unlikely advent, I had previously shared the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. In the moment of disbelief, Zachariah was suddenly stricken with the inability to speak. I can easily see where this could be viewed as a punishment from God; but “behind the scenes” God use’s Zachariah to bring glory to God at the moment of the naming of his son.
“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” —Luke 1:18-20
“When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day they came to circumcisethe child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” —Luke 1:57-64
As you progress through the rest of this week, it is my prayer that you experience “Peace” in a multitude of ways. Be attentive to God working in and through you to be an ambassador of “Peace” with those you come into contact with. May you be watchful to God foremost that He is the One true God, creator of all things, the center of all the universe; and also works “behind the scenes” in all our lives.
Until next time… Charlotte!
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