Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 346: Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

I love Christmas lights. They had so much ambiance to any room. When they are the only source of light in the room, you realize how much light they give off. 

We use white Christmas lights in our house. They illuminate just enough light to make a dark room bright enough for simple tasks. 

I am reminded of Jesus's reference to light and life:

"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”" - John 8:12

Christmas lights are special. Savor them this season.  

Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

Advent

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 345: Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.

Sometimes getting ready for a special event is as much fun as the actual event. When our hearts are reprogramed for service, there is joy in the process. Some people are naturals at hospitality. Others work at it. Both are gifts of love. 

When Mary hurried to Elizabeth's home, she found a warm welcome. Baby John lept in Elizabeth's womb. For those who have experienced pregnancy, the baby moving inside is really special. Knowing the baby is alive, growing, and preparing to make their entrance at birth is a comfort. It is a time of wonder. 

"Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home." -Luke 1:56

Imagine the two mothers - one old and one young - sharing the new experiences that came with their pregnancies.  They knew what they knew. They trusted God. They surely savored their season together. Zechariah was not talking, so I am sure Elizabeth welcomed Mary's company and conversation. 

Advent helps us prepare our hearts each year. The story is retold, but it never gets old. We prepare our homes and our hearts. We share the joy with family and friends. It is a season of preparations, watching, waiting, and embracing hope. 

God with us... Immanuel. It never gets old. 

Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.

"And the Angel Left Her."

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 344: Today, I am grateful "the angel left her."

Every year in the advent season, we read the same passages again and again. What is amazing to me... and evidence of God's living, breathing, and holy word... is that the passages come alive and speak new truths every single time. This year is no different. Luke 1:38 may be my passage for the season.

 "Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her." -Luke 1:38

The messenger angel, Gabriel, shows up, unexpectedly. Who would not be terrified? Especially a young woman, not much beyond girlhood. What an unexpected disruption to her life as she was planning for her life with her fiancé. Talk about an "unplanned pregnancy!" 

"God with us" calls for "us with God." It starts with a holy "Yes." Wow!

Mary in a matter of minutes would decide if she would say, "Yes." to what the angel disclosed as God's plan for her life. Talk about a "special agent" in God's special forces. She did not train for the assignment, but all of her life led up to it. Her relationship with God prepared her to be the one prophesized in Isaiah:

"Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin[a] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). -Isaiah 7:13-14" 

Yes, she knew the scriptures. Did she ever dream she would be "the one" selected? Probably not.

Oh sweet Mary... soon to be literally "the Mother of God" ... when faced with the biggest decision of her life, she answered with a holy "Yes." 

This year, what struck me as new was the last part of Luke 1:38... "And then the angel left her."  

The angel did not say, "Hey, let's meet again next week for coffee to go over any questions or concerns you might have." No, the angel dropped the bombshell and then... he left her! My mind cannot begin to conceive what she was feeling. 

Honored but anxious? Overwhelmed? Shocked? Terrified... trembling... yet, somehow in a moment... a peace floods over her spirit as she accepts the call to be the mother of the Messiah. She finds her "holy yes." 

The angel left her, but not without the news of her cousin, Elizabeth's shocking late in life pregnancy would be an encouragement for Mary. Elizabeth would provide her with companionship and someone to talk to about unexpected interruptions from God's plan. Mary responded in faith, and God provided her a special comfort in Elizabeth's situation. Not the same, but connected. Elizabeth and Zechariah would raise "John the Baptist" as we know him. Mary and Joseph would raise Yeshua... Immanuel... "God with us." 

The angel left her after she said, "Yes." Her trust and her faith was what God required. She had to choose to believe and receive the assignment. I love when the scriptures say, "She pondered these things in her heart." Her humility and sincerity are evidence of her character and grace. 

For 400 years, God had been silent. Never absent, but watching with quiet authority until the time was right. The girl was right. The man was right. The two of them accepted the mission before them. They became God's special agents. Once the assignment was received, the source of the orders left. 

Today, I am grateful "the angel left her."

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 343: Today, I am grateful for "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."

There is something about the old Christmas hymn, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" that illuminates my imagination. When I hear the tune, I can see the scene in my mind. That one moment in time replays every time I hear or sing that song. 

I love the story about the little boy who thought the angels singing were named Harold. Can you hear the heavenly direction? "All angels named Harold, report immediately to the shepherds field outside of Bethlehem to announce Jesus's birth." It is a cute story. It shows the power of language. There is a difference between a herald and a Harold. 

The real event would have been terrifying and awesome at the same time. To have Heaven's choir show up in the middle of your night shift job would have been shocking, even to those who were used to the unusual things that happen when the sun goes down. 

The passage in "The Message" version creates a wonderful word picture in modern language:

There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him." -Luke 2:8-12  (The Message)

Oh, the wonder of it all! 

Today, I am grateful for "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing."

What Child Is This?

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 342: Today, I am grateful for the song, "What Child Is This?" 

William Chatterton Dix wrote the hymn, "What Child Is This?" in 1865. He was the son of a surgeon and found himself dealing with an illness that a surgery could not fix. He was 29 years old at the time living in Glasgow, Scotland. It is believed his business was insurance but his passion was the poetry of worship. 

Illness is humbling. Some say William Dix was quite depressed from his illness when he penned "What Child Is This?" Perhaps, he was. Set to the familiar and haunting tune of "Greensleeves," a Christmas classic was born. The minor key would echo his state of sadness. The words speak of something different. Hope. 

With his own body broken down by illness, it seems that William Dix found himself humbly kneeling at the manger. As he fought for his life, death in his youth seemed like a real possibility. He came face to face with the big questions of life. He had to determine for himself what he believed about Jesus. What did he believe? 

What Child is This?

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him!
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Raise, raise the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Had Dix led a life without distress,  would he have written this beautiful hymn? I cannot say for certain, but I doubt it. Verse two speak volumes. Typically in youth, we spend very little time focusing on our bodies and health. We take it for granted. Dix did not. 

Jesus took on human flesh with its frailty, weaknesses, and susceptibility to illness. Dix saw that through his own brush with illness and a long recovery. He did recover, but I suspect he did not forget. 

The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

There is a scripture that captures the hope and the truth in Christ's deity and his humanity. It reads like a truth-bomb. I liked it in "The Message" translation:

1-3 Going through a long line of prophets, God has been addressing our ancestors in different ways for centuries. Recently he spoke to us directly through his Son. By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words!

The Son Is Higher than Angels

3-6 After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God, far higher than any angel in rank and rule. Did God ever say to an angel, “You’re my Son; today I celebrate you” or “I’m his Father, he’s my Son”? When he presents his honored Son to the world, he says, “All angels must worship him.” -Hebrews 1:1-6 (MSG)

I choose to believe. If I am wrong, I've lost nothing by living a life centered in seeking the goodness and light of Jesus daily. Honestly, His nearness and the ways he shows up in unexpected moments reinforces my faith daily. For those who reject Him, eternity is a long time.

I am grateful for the Word made flesh.   

Today, I am grateful for the song, "What Child Is This?"

 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 341: Today, I am grateful for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

This old carol comes from England, but the author is unknown. It is thought to be from the 1600's when caroling was a common practice. In the 1600's the word "rest" meant "keep." Today we would say "God keep you" or perhaps "God bless you" is even a better modern translation. Yes, sometimes old English needs a modern translation for understanding, but I am grateful for those who stick to the original lyrics. 

Christmas carols sweep us back in time and inspire hope for tomorrow at the same time. As a little girl when we would visit different churches, I would look for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in the pew hymnals. You can learn much about a house of worship from their hymnal.  The Christmas songs were some of my favorites then and now. 

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is unusual for its minor key. Songs in the minor keys create a soulful, almost sorrowful feeling. The tune and lyrics come together to create something special. The words are of hope and light, while the melody weeps. At the heart of the song is an invitation to come together in community to celebrate the newborn King. 

When we come together in worship, generosity, and service, we discover comfort and joy in the process. 

"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people." -Philemon 6-7

Be refreshed. Claim the hope. Join the song. Embrace community. 

Today, I am grateful for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

The Little Drummer Boy

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 340: Today, I am grateful for "The Little Drummer Boy." 

The songs of Christmas are on my mind. 

"The Little Drummer Boy" was written by Katherine Davis in 1941. Its original title was "Carol of the Bells." The arrangement was a cappella with the bass voices providing the drum beat. 

A little over a decade and a second world war later, in 1952, the Trapp Family singers(the Sound of Music family) recorded a version of the song that gained popularity. In a world that was weary from war, it was well received. 

Other artists added it to their Christmas albums, including Jack Holloran with an altered arrangement of the song by Henry Ororati and Harry Simone. It was a big hit and Henry Ororati, Harry Simone, and Katherine K. Davis are all credited with writing "The Little Drummer Boy." My current favorite versions are For King & Country and Pentatonix. 

There is something so simple, sincere, and heartfelt about the song that makes it timeless. 

The shepherds in the fields on the night Jesus was born most likely had the musical instruments used to entertain themselves and scare off predators. The lyre(harp), the flute, and the shofar(horn) are referenced in the Bible as shepherd's instruments. The drum is not listed. Drums were more typically used in celebrations and at festivals. 

The song is not meant to have Biblical accuracy. It is a musical snapshot of a child's heart. Children love to give gifts but they have limited resources. Children watch with great anticipation to see the recipient's response when they give a gift. They give with pure, undefiled hearts. 

Is it any wonder that Jesus clearly states that we must become like children?

"Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." -Matthew 18:3-5

"The Little Drummer Boy" resonates with something in our souls. We, too, come to Jesus with nothing fit for a king. Our messy lives, broken dreams, and bad decisions are often all we have left when we finally find our way to the manger with hearts pounding and tears flowing because we have nothing better to give. 

In that moment of full submission and recognition of Christ as Lord, our weary hearts begin to beat a little stronger. Rum-pa-pa-pum... rum-pa-pa-pum... rum-pa-pa-pum... until our heartbeat is in sync with His. 

"Then He smiled at me pa-rum-pa-pa-pum... me and my drum."  

Today, I am grateful for "The Little Drummer Boy." 

Poignant Questions: Mary Did You Know?

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 339: Today, I am grateful for poignant questions like "Mary, did you know?"

Mark Lowery wrote the lyrics to "Mary, Did You Know" but it was many years later that Buddy Greene provided the tune. I heard him talk about carrying the lyrics around in his pocket. He knew it was special and wanted to get it just right. 

"Mary, Did You Know?" is a question that was surely asked of Jesus's mother. How did she answer? We do not know, but we know that she knew more than she disclosed at times. 

Did she hold up a finger for his healing touch when she cut her finger? Did he multiply the flour and oil when the rations were low in their humble home? Did he inspire awe as she watched him interact with the other children? 

The scriptures do not tell us very much about Jesus's childhood. We do know that the first public miracle recorded happened at the wedding of a family friend. Jesus turned the water into the finest wine. Mary knew he could help. 

The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”  “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” -John 2:3-5

"Do whatever he tells you." was a statement of confidence from the Mother of the Messiah. In a blink, her first born baby boy was a grown man in his thirties. Was she excited for others to know what she had pondered in her heart for so many years? 

She was the mother of the Messiah. She was completely human, yet she had carried the holy child in her womb. Can we even imagine it? The wonder and the wonderful combined. 

Today, I am grateful for poignant questions like "Mary, did you know?"

House of Bread

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 338: Today, I am grateful for the house of bread.

In our little village, we have a Great Harvest Bread Company. It is my favorite local house of bread. I could live on the bread and soups and be quite content. 

"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is a well known Christmas hymn. The name of the town, Bethlehem, actually means "House of Bread" in the original Hebrew. 

Bread is a part of nearly every culture. Most have a signature bread. There are different breads mentioned throughout the Bible. God provided the Israelites manna - a daily bread from Heaven- for forty years in the wilderness. 

Unleavened bread is associated with Passover, as the people did not wait for the bread to rise before leaving captivity in Egypt. 

The Bethlehem prophecy in Micah 5:2 states:

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf."

Bread is humble and basic. It helps sustain life for many across the globe. In the little town of Bethlehem, a baby was placed in a manger over 2000 years ago. A manger is a place the sheep and other animals feed. Coincidence? We must decide for ourselves what we believe. 

"Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35

Today, I am grateful for the house of bread.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 337: Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 

The song was written in 1962 by a husband and wife writing team. Gloria Shayne wrote the music and her husband, Noël Regney, penned the lyrics. It was in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the many fears associated with war. It truly is one of my favorite modern Christmas songs, although it is old enough to classify as an "oldies" song. 

At church on Sunday, the magnificent Kathy McKearn played the song as a solo with the handbells. I am always in awe of her talent. I would get lost and be confused if I were managing that many handbells at one time. She does it with grace and finesse.  "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on the handbells was incredible. From the depth of the big bells to the light feeling of the upper octaves, we enjoyed every note, it was wonderful. 

The lyrics resonate as much today as they did in 1962. Peace, goodness, and light were born in a stable more than 2000 years ago. Hope arrived in the form of a baby. A new baby is always a miracle. The Christ child was the answer to many prayers after years of waiting. He did not look as they expected him to look. He did not arrive in the way that was anticipate, although the prophet Isaiah foretold of the coming Messiah. 

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!"-Isaiah 9:6-7

The prophecies were fulfilled. The promise kept.  God had been silent for 400 years, but He was never absent. The timing had to be just right. Mary was the right girl. Joseph was the right man to comfort, love, and protect her. Jesus was not unexpected, but they did not anticipate they would have a front row seat. 

"Pray for peace, people everywhere! Listen to what I say! The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light. He will bring us goodness and light."

Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?"