Santa or Jesus - Who's your holiday hero?

  

Advent is underway. Like many, I’ve been thinking a little about Santa (and Mrs. Santa’s holiday to-do list), but I’ve been thinking a lot more about Jesus.

Here are some of my own merry musings: 

Santa eats cookies. Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Santa comes down to your hearth. Jesus wants to enter your heart.

Santa makes toys. Jesus makes us new.

Santa is Ho-Ho-Ho. Jesus is the Holy One.

Santa loves good girls and boys. Jesus loves us all.

Santa spends. Jesus saves.

Santa knows if you've been bad or good. Jesus knows we are all sinners, and He can restore us in His own righteousness.

Santa is jolly. Jesus is joy.

Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus makes His home in us.

Santa comes around once a year. Jesus is with us always.

Santa makes us happy. Jesus makes us whole.

Santa brings gifts. Jesus is the Gift.

Santa is tradition. Jesus is the Truth.

Santa is fun. Jesus is forever.

 

I like Santa. But I love Jesus. Who's with me?

 

 This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birthday of the best Gift-Giver of all, let's have fun with Santa, but let's have faith in Jesus.

 "Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" (2 Corinthians 9:15, NLT)

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Why do we give gifts for Christmas?

 Strolling through a store recently, I spotted a banner that read: “It’s the season of giving.”

 That gave me pause. Sure, Christmastime brings out the giver in almost everyone. We enjoy picking out presents, wrapping them in pretty papers, and passing them out to loved ones. We enjoy seeing happy faces, as family members and friends open these parcels with surprise and delight.

 Don’t we all glow a bit when someone dear to us presents us with something special and treasured? Gifts are one of the “five love languages,” as articulated by Gary Chapman in his popular book by that title.  (By the way, I think there are more than five. For example, my love language is ice cream. Forgive me. I digress.)

 

What are your favorite gifts you’ve ever received for Christmas?

 It seems the most thoughtful gifts are personalized to the recipient. That doesn’t mean they’re monogrammed or imprinted. They just fit the person.

 Some of my most memorable gifts have been:

• Tickets to attend a show together
• Framed photo of a shared experience
• A photocopy of my mom’s devotional reader, including her margin notes (after she passed)

 Surely, you can add plenty of special gifts to that list.

 

Why do we give gifts at Christmas time, anyway?

 

 1)      The celebration started with the angels and the shepherds.

 The angels heralding the birth of Christ bestowed gifts of comfort and joy upon the shepherds by Bethlehem, known as the City of David. (See Luke 2 for the whole story.)

 Remember David, the shepherd boy who killed the Philistine giant with his slingshot and later became king?

Back to Bethlehem: These startled folks, guarding their herds in the night, were roused suddenly by an angel choir and instructed not to fear, but to go immediately and view the Holy Child. History indicates these particular shepherds raised special lambs exclusively for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s no coincidence that they were chosen to visit the Lamb of God, who would become both the Good Shepherd and the Passover sacrifice for all of us.

 When we bless one another with Christmas cards and words of comfort and joy, we echo the angelic greetings on the night of our Savior’s birth.

 

2)      The magi gave gifts to Jesus.

 The gift-giving tradition goes way back to the wise men (or magi), who brought treasures to the Infant Christ. (See Matthew 2:1-12.) We may scratch our heads and wonder about those seemingly strange offerings, but they were both prophetic and practical. These items had well-known and important purposes at that time:

• Gold was traditionally given to recognize royalty.
• Frankincense was employed in divine worship. (Look up incense in the Old Testament.)
• Myrrh was used for anointing and for burial.

 Christian tradition holds that these gifts helped to finance Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's wrath. (See Matthew 2:13-15.)  Jehovah Jireh, the Provider, works in wondrous ways!

 When we give Christmas gifts, we commemorate the generosity of the magi to the incarnate Christ born to redeem us.

 

                                                Adoration of the Magi, Cornelis de Vos, early 17th Century

3)      We give because He has given to us.

 That’s Christmas in one line.

• We bless, because He first blessed us.
• We come to Him, because He first came to us.
• We are called to love, because He first loved us.

 

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NIV)

 

4)      Christmas is a big birthday party.

 We honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Sure, scholars of various sorts have long debated the actual date of Jesus’ birth. But for the rest of us, we choose to celebrate His nativity on December 25^th – and we are grateful for this indescribably wondrous gift all year long.

 

Related items:

·        Christ’s Nativity – Shepherds Are Awed

·        Devotion, a Dream and a Donkey

·        How to Make a Jesse Tree for Christmas

·        Incarnate and In-Person

·        Looking at a Light that Led

 

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Does giving up only work with Lenten sacrifices?

 I’m giving up, but not in the sense one might think. Lent starts this week, and I’ve decided to drop a few things from my life. This initiative may last through Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter weekend), or it may become a longer term change. But for now, it’s a 40-day thing.

 

I’m not mentioning this for any accolades. What I need is accountability.

  Of course, giving up is almost never a good plan. But in this case, giving up something actually takes more determination and wherewithal than not doing so.

 Here’s the ticket:

 Never give up, Christian. Unless, of course, you’re giving up something for Lent.

 (That admonition would actually apply to any personal fast or sacrifice made in the same spirit.)

 The Bible contains plenty of exhortations for believers never to give up. Here are a few examples.

 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1, NLT)

 “I have told you this, so that you will not give up your faith.   (John 16:1, GNT) 

One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up.  (Acts 18:9, GNT)

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT)

 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. (2 Corinthians 4:1, NLT)

 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

 Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. (Ephesians 6:18, GNT)

 Additional verses abound, urging believers to remain steadfast and strong and to never give up.

 

That’s great advice. And it’s not the kind of giving up we’re talking about, when we say we’re giving up something for Lent.

 Having said all that, what’s the Lenten sacrifice?

 Christian tradition (for many) includes some sort of self-deprivation during from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. It’s a form of fasting, inspired by Jesus’ 40 days and nights in the wilderness (See Matthew 4:1-11.). Some give up chocolate. Others forgo meat. Still others abstain from alcohol. Plenty of brave souls commit to go without any sweets.

 Additionally, people might opt out of social networking, television, or other entertainments as a form of fasting during Lent.

 Here’s a caveat: It’s not really a sacrifice to give up something we won’t even miss. For example, I’m not a smoker, so giving up cigarettes wouldn’t mean anything. I already don’t eat chocolate, so that won’t work either. And I don’t play video games, so promising to go without them would be pointless.

 

A genuine sacrifice means skipping something I’ll actually miss.

 The goal is to redirect my focus onto the Lord and His sacrifice on my behalf (and yours), which culminated at the cross and became victory over sin and death at His resurrection.

 So here it is.

 This year, I’m doing without candy. Honestly, this isn’t a huge deal. Only a few candies actually tempt me. But we’ve just come through the Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s to Valentine’s Day sweet-tooth indulgence series. It’s time. I’d like to build a candy-free habit into my life, and the Lenten season offers a prime opportunity to do that. During this time, I hope to direct my attention upwards, especially during those late-night moments when I might crave something sweet.

 I want to crave the sweet presence of the Savior instead. (I’m not trying to be playful about this. It’s just that I need the extra reminder, all the time.)

 

Are you giving up anything for Lent?

 If you are, I pray that God bless you in your sacrifice by making His Presence clear to you, helping you to keep your focus on Him, and meeting you in a special way this Lenten season.

 

Easter is coming. Hallelujah.

 

Related items:

·        I gave up chocolate, but not for Lent.

·        On Good Friday: Are my eyes and heart dry?

·        Thanks = sacrifice to the Lord – 30 days of thankful Scriptures

  

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How to Make a Jesse Tree for Christmas

 Family Fun and Holiday Learning During the Advent Season

Amid the excitement and flurry of activity that surrounds holiday season each year, how can families refocus upon the true meaning of Christmas?

 The Jesse Tree family tradition offers excellent teachable moments for parents and children, while tracing the story of God and His people, from Creation to the coming of Christ.

 The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, foretelling the coming of Christ, stated that the Messiah would be born from the root of Jesse, which was the line of Israel's King David. (See Isaiah 11:1-3). From this passage (and others like it) comes the symbolic Jesse Tree.

 Although Jesse Tree kits may be purchased (even in felt or magnet formats), you can add meaning and save money at Christmas time by creating your own Jesse Tree as a family. Simply gather the items listed below, or make them yourself. (Hint: In our home, we like to hang little paper tags on each item to include the appropriate Bible references.)

 

 Families may select various Bible stories and Scripture passages for their Jesse Trees. Following is our own list of family favorites.

 Throughout the month of December, leading up to Christmas Day, ask someone in the family to read the selected Scripture and then hang the appropriate item upon the family’s Jesse Tree.

 NOTE: Written by this author, this copyrighted material originally appeared on another publisher’s site. That site no longer exists. This author holds all rights to this content. No republication is allowed without permission.

 

December 1 – Creation 

Genesis 1 and 2

 Choose a small potted tree to represent the Lord God’s Creation of the earth and all that is in it. If you wish, you might use any sort of tree (artificial or fresh). Some families opt for a plain branch (with several offshoots), which they set in a pot of plaster or putty for a Jesse Tree.

December 2 – Adam and Eve

 Genesis 3

 As you read this account of the fall of man, when Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan to sin, place a small plastic snake on the Jesse Tree today. If you are crafty (but not crafty as the serpent), then you might fashion a snake from play clay, chenille stems or another artistic medium.

 December 3 – Noah and the Great Flood

 Genesis 7 and 8

 These two chapters of the Old Testament tell about Noah and the ark, the pairs of animals, forty days of rain and the rainbow that indicated the flood was over. God sent the rainbow as a promise that He would never destroy the entire world by floodwaters again.

 Make a rainbow from colored ribbons, yarns, chenille stems or even paper to hang on the Jesse Tree on this day.

 December 4 – Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:1-9

 The Tower of Babel represented the conceit of man, as people tried to build a structure to reach the heavens. God had another plan, and He confused their language. (This was an antithetical foreshadowing of Pentecost, perhaps, but that’s for theologians to discuss, more than young children.)

 Craft a tiny scroll of paper. Singe the edges, if you wish to make it look antique. Write Merry Christmas (or another message) in as many languages as you can, and hang the scroll on the Jesse Tree today.

 December 5 – Abraham

Genesis 12:1-7

In this beloved Bible passage, God promised to make Abraham the father of a great people, who would someday outnumber the stars.

 Place a shiny paper star on the Jesse Tree today to symbolize God’s special people, the Jews, through whose lineage the long-awaited Savior of the world would come.

 December 6 – Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 19:15-29

God destroyed the decadent cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, after repeated prophetic warnings. The people did not repent of their heinous sins, so judgment fell. Lot and his family escaped, led by the Lord. But Lot’s wife turned back, and she was transformed to a pillar of salt.

 Hang a small salt shaker on the Jesse Tree today to stand for Lot’s wife and importance of obedience to God’s instructions.

 December 7- Abraham and Isaac

Genesis 22:1-19

 God instructed Abraham to offer his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, and Abraham obeyed. At the last minute, as Abraham piled kindling wood for the burnt offering and lifted his knife to kill the boy, the Lord stopped him. God provided an animal for the sacrifice. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son offers a spiritual parallel to the Lord God’s own sacrifice of His only Son Jesus.

 Tie up a small bundle of wooden matchsticks or toothpicks, and hang them on the Jesse Tree today to symbolize the altar for Abraham’s offering.

 December 8 - Jacob

Genesis 28:10-17

Jacob had a dream about a ladder (or stairway) leading to Heaven. He saw angels walking up and down the steps. Jacob’s vision included the gate of Heaven, with God promising the land to His people and their offspring. This vision foreshadows the coming of the Christ, who would open Heaven’s gates to all who receive Him.

Hang a little toy ladder on the Jesse Tree on this day, or cut a ladder from stiff cardboard to recall Jacob’s vision.

 December 9 – Joseph

Genesis 45

Jacob, father of the twelve sons (and tribes) of Israel, favored his son Joseph and gave him an extravagant multi-colored coat. Joseph dreamed he would one day rule his brothers. They became enraged at the prospect and sold him into slavery. Many years later, Joseph was a leader in Egypt during a time of famine, and he was able to feed his father and brothers. This Bible passage tells of that reunion.

 Tie a small scrap of multi-colored cloth around a branch of the Jesse Tree today to symbolize Joseph’s fancy coat and God’s providence through difficult circumstances.

December 10 – Moses

Exodus 3

This Old Testament passage explains how God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Pharaoh’s Egypt.

 Hang a fiery orange leaf on the Jesse Tree on this day, or paint a pine cone in fiery colors, to represent God’s burning bush.

December 11 – Passover

Exodus 12

 When the Lord God delivered the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt, He used a series of plagues. The final one was to slay the firstborn of all of Egypt. The Israelites, however, were spared by the angel of death because they obediently smeared lamb’s blood on the doorposts of their houses.

 In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Passover Lamb, because His shed blood covers the sins of those who trust Him, leading to victory over sin and death.

 Smear a white cotton ball with red marker, and hang it on the Jesse Tree today, to symbolize the Passover Lamb. 

December 12 – The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20

Moses climbed Mount Sinai to meet the Lord God, and God gave him two stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments.

 Cut out two small tablets from cardboard. Write the Ten Commandments on them, and hang them on the Jesse Tree on this day. 

December 13 – David & Goliath

I Samuel 17

 Young David, a shepherd boy, killed the giant Philistine Goliath with a slingshot and some stones. This bold victory demonstrates the power of God in action, as the Lord often delights in using small, seemingly ordinary people to accomplish His mightiest works.

 Hang a candy cane on the Jesse Tree today to symbolize a shepherd’s staff. 

December 14 – Elijah

1 Kings 18:17-39

The Old Testament prophet Elijah had a major showdown with wicked King Ahab and the false prophets on Mount Carmel. The false prophets summoned their idol, Baal, to light their altar with fire.  Then Elijah soaked his own offering and called upon the true God, who caused it to blaze.

 Cut out a small flame design from colored papers, and hang it on the Jesse Tree today. 

December 15 – Isaiah

Isaiah 6

Isaiah prayed and repented of his human frailties, and the Lord sent a seraph to purify his mouth with tongs of burning coals. The Lord God was preparing Isaiah to deliver His important prophetic messages, including the announcement that the Messiah was coming (See Isaiah 9:6).

 Hang a set of tweezers on the Jesse Tree on this day to represent the angel’s burning tongs. 

December 16 – Solomon

1 Kings 3

The Lord offered to grant King Solomon anything he wanted, and Solomon asked for great wisdom. (Clearly, the Lord knew what Solomon would request, and Solomon chose wisely.)

 This Bible passage recounts a very famous decision of discernment the wise King Solomon exercised.

 Hang a little crown on the Jesse Tree today. Cut it from shiny paper, or glue a small sheet of foil to cardstock before cutting. 

December 17 – Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, called the people of God to purified hearts and a renewal of faith. In this Scripture passage, Jeremiah describes the New Covenant of God, to will be fulfilled by the coming Messiah.

 Hang a small heart locket or charm on the Jesse Tree on this day, or cut a heart from stiff papers. 

December 18 – Jonah

Jonah 2

God called the prophet Jonah to go to Nineveh with a message of repentance. Jonah refused to go and tried to run away from God. The Lord made a large fish swallow him. Finally, from inside the fish, Jonah prayed. God made the fish spit Jonah up onto the shore, and Jonah obeyed the Lord’s calling.

 Hang a small toy fish, a goldfish cracker or a paper fish on the Jesse Tree today to recall the lesson of Jonah. 

December 19 – Habakkuk

Habakkuk 2:1-3

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk stood on the watchtower, obeying the Lord’s instructions, and the Lord gave him a message of hope and redemption for His people. This message would be fulfilled by the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus.

 Hang a wristwatch or a little clock on the Jesse Tree on this day, as a reminder of Habakkuk on the watchtower and the need to wait on God for His timing and His answers. 

December 20 – Nehemiah

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah, cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, broke with protocol by asking the king for permission to return to his homeland to rebuild the decrepit Jerusalem wall. Miraculously, the king agreed.

 Construct a small brick wall from cardboard, and hang it on the Jesse Tree today. 

December 21 – John the Baptist

Luke 3:1-20

John the Baptist declared that he was sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, the Savior of the World. When Jesus arrived, his cousin John baptized Him in the Jordan River of Israel.

 Hang a seashell on the Jesse Tree to symbolize the water of the Jordan, in which Jesus was baptized at the beginning of His earthly ministry. (Of course, the Jordan River does not contain seashells, but the shell is symbolic anyway.) 

December 22 – Mary and the Angel Gabriel

Luke 1:26-38

God sent the angel Gabriel to visit the Virgin Mary to inform her that she would be mother to the infant Christ Jesus. Mary humbly agreed to do the Lord’s bidding.

 Hang a white lily, or another white flower, on the Jesse Tree today as a reminder of the Virgin Mary. (Some families make white tissue paper flowers for this day.) 

December 23 – Joseph

Matthew 1:19-25

Joseph, a carpenter, was engaged to be married to Mary. When Mary became pregnant, Joseph was not sure what to do at first. The Lord sent an angel to speak to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him of his marriage to the young girl and confirming that she was indeed carrying the Son of God.

 Hang a small hammer or a wooden ruler on the Jesse Tree today to represent the carpenter Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. 

December 24 – Bethlehem

Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-7

Bethlehem, the city of David, was long prophesied to be the expected birthplace of the Messiah. When the time came, Joseph and Mary packed their donkey and traveled to Bethlehem from their home in Nazareth to enroll for Caesar’s tax census. This was part of God’s plan, so that the Messiah Jesus would be born in the appropriate locale.

 Hang a single coin on the Jesse Tree on Christmas Eve to symbolize the tax census that led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. 

December 25 – Jesus

Luke 2:8-20

Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in a dirty stable, filled with livestock. Still, a bright star shone overhead, and multitudes of angels drew shepherds and magi to the site to worship Him.

 The three magi brought frankincense, gold and myrrh to the Christ child. Although these may have seemed like eccentric baby gifts, they were actually prophetic in biblical times. Frankincense was used in worshiping God. Gold was for kings. And myrrh was traditionally used to prepare bodies for burial. Jesus, the Son of God and King of the Jews, was born to die for our redemption.

 Hang three tiny gifts on the Jesse Tree on Christmas Day to indicate the birth of Christ and the gifts of the magi.

 Merry Christmas. The Lord is come.

 

The Jesse Tree Tradition

 The Jesse Tree is a long-held tradition for many Christian families. Why not try this deeply significant Advent calendar, which traces biblical history (and the redemptive plan of God), from Creation through the birth of Christ, the Savior?

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I gave up chocolate, but not for Lent.

Sometimes a forfeit is not a fast.

Christians worldwide go without things they desire from Ash Wednesday to Easter, remembering Jesus Christ’s own 40-day fast in the wilderness. The faithful aim to dedicate increased attention to seeking God during this period each year. People forgo alcohol, candy, or desserts. Others skip television or swear off social networking. Some quit smoking. Plenty of people don’t eat meat on Fridays during this season of Lent.

I’m not slamming any of this. I salute the devotion behind it.

This year, I’m giving up chocolate, but not for Lent. As much as I love the taste of a crunchy chocolate bar, a sweet mocha shake, or a chocolate chip ice cream cone, I’m done with all things cocoa. I’ve had to face up to a difficult truth: Chocolate triggers my migraines. It’s just not worth it.

That’s a handy metaphor for sin. It seems fun for a moment, but the aftermath can be painful. The Bible calls it “the fleeting pleasures of sin” (see Hebrews 11:25, ESV). Chocolate is delicious, but I surely pay the price afterwards.

Oh, Henry!

So chocolate is out – for now (in the Lenten season) and from now on. Well, when I wake up in Heaven with a brand-new resurrection body, I won’t have to worry about migraines. I’ll eagerly dig into some gooey chocolate treat at the Lamb’s marriage supper (see Revelation 19:6-9).

But my personal chocolate ban is not a Lenten sacrifice. I’m claiming no credit for it.

Don’t we kind of try that sort of thing sometimes? We stumble onto some seemingly good deed and allow others to salute us for it. But we didn’t actually do anything righteous at all? It’s not as if we deserve any reward for something we didn’t do on purpose.

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV)

My chocolate aversion is not a fast.

It’s not a sacrifice, even if I miss it sorely. I’m skipping this savored sweet because it makes me hurt. That doesn’t make it a gift to God or an avenue to deeper devotion.

In fact, some of my most earnest prayers have occurred when I have been in head-banging agony. How many believers would agree that suffering brings us to our knees more than comfort? (I’m not begging for more headaches here, just recalling when God has met me tenderly and faithfully in my most horrific moments.)

Here’s a confession.

This year, I haven’t really given up anything tangible for Lent. In fact, I made a conscious and intentional decision not to do so this time around. Instead, I want to ask for more:  More devotion, more boldness, more faithfulness, and more deep desire to seek His heart.

Mostly I want more of God.

Chocolate has nothing to do with it.

Someday in eternity, I’d love to be able to echo David’s words:

“The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.” (Psalm 18:20, NASB).

And my hands won’t be clean because they are free of melted chocolate. They’ll only be clean because He washed them for me.

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On Good Friday: Are my eyes and heart dry?

Reflecting upon the Lenten season and particularly upon the sacrificial death of our dear Lord, I am struck by my own ability to slip into a strange and dangerous sort of devotional dormancy at times. Late winter can be just such a season.

But how can this be, in light of the remarkable grace and love of the King of Kings? How is it possible for a living human soul to forget even for a moment the majesty of God and the miraculous mercy that drove Him to the worst kind of death in our place?

19th Century artwork - public domain

 

Good Friday is good.

We shudder at the brutality and suffering our Savior endured on our behalf. We understand that He did it to rescue us from sin and from evil and from death and from ourselves. We know this dark day in history paves the way to eternal glory. So we call the day “good.”

Do we also realize that Good Friday is also good because this highest of holy occasions reminds us of the unimaginable cost of Calvary?

The Lord of the universe gave His very self for us. That cost Him everything.

Pause, and let that sink in for a moment. Can we carry that truth in our hearts?

Often, exquisite God-gifted art can point us back to the truth. Here’s an example.

This Good Friday poem stabs me right in the heart.

British Victorian writer Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) is one of my all-time favorite poets. I simply love her poetry. My Rossetti favorites include:

• “A Better Resurrection,”
• “A Daughter of Eve,”
• “Consider the Lilies of the Field,”
• “Fata Morgana,”
• “Good Friday,”
• “In the Bleak Midwinter,”
• “My Dream,”
• “Remember,”
• “She Sat and Sang,” and
• “Uphill.”

 

Christina Rossetti - public domain artwork

Rossetti’s poems display a depth of devotion and thought that strikes me to the soul. Perhaps her insights came in part from enduring three failed engagements (over matters of faith) and remaining single lifelong, devoted only to God.

Good Friday

By Christina Rossetti

Am I a stone and not a sheep

That I can stand, O Christ, beneath Thy Cross,

To number drop by drop Thy Blood's slow loss,

And yet not weep?

Not so those women loved

Who with exceeding grief lamented Thee;

Not so fallen Peter weeping bitterly;

Not so the thief was moved;

Not so the Sun and Moon

Which hid their faces in a starless sky,

A horror of great darkness at broad noon—

I, only I.

Yet give not o'er,

But seek Thy sheep, true Shepherd of the flock;

Greater than Moses, turn and look once more

And smite a rock.

As much as I love them, these lines make my heart hurt.

I wonder: Am I a stone or a sheep? Do I look to the Lord, or do I stand stoically by?

A biblical witness is not merely a neutral onlooker. We are called to be active participants in the Gospel of Christ. If I truly believe the very Son of God took on human flesh to bleed for me, then I will not merely watch, but I will also weep. I will mourn for my own misgivings. I will bear remorse and repent. Then I will rise and follow where He leads me.

In Numbers 20, the Bible tells how, in the Desert of Zin, the people thirsted, but there was no water to be found. The Lord instructed Moses to speak to a certain rock, and He promised to gush water from the stone.  Moses struck the rock, and the Almighty One brought forth water from it. Although Moses overdid it, hitting the stone instead of following God’s specific instructions, the Lord did a mighty miracle.

God is in the business of changing stony hearts.

Consider this word of the Lord to His people, spoken through the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel: 

Ezekiel 36:25-28 graphic created by this user on poster generator.

 

^“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:25-28, NIV)

Soften my heart, Lord. Carve out callousness, and sweep away senseless scars. Keep my soul ever tender for you. Draw me nearer to the heart of God, and let my eyes and words flow with grace and gratitude for all You have done for me.

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