Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
My sister gave me an early Christmas present. She sent me a check that made it possible for me to do a total makeover on our dining room chandelier. Truth be told, I wasn’t even aware that the chandelier bothered me until she and I got into a discussion about settling for things we could really change.
The chandelier was there when we bought the house 16 years ago. The light was very old. The shades were discolored, the parts were chipped, and the crystals were really made of plastic. However, I decided to keep the chandelier because it was very antique French-looking and I like that style. Over the years though, I learned to compensate for the chandelier in ways I wasn’t even aware of until Nancy and I talked. I kept the lights low while having dinner. I made the focal point the table settings or the table’s centerpiece. Settling and over-compensating had become a way of life.
Nancy is the one who suggested a makeover. I’d never thought of it. Imagine my excitement when I discovered I could strip the chandelier down to the frame and replace all the parts. I was even able to buy a lot of lead crystals for almost no money from a lighting store that posted a small palette of crystals on eBay. So here’s the thing. When stripped bare, the frame turned out to be a real antique and quite stunning. Then, everything I added to it just made it more beautiful. By the time I began to add the crystals, I was almost speechless as I saw my chandelier come to life. The crystals even glistened in the moonlight that shone through the window. It’s the most fun I’ve had creating something in a long time.
The spiritual lessons have been numerous. It made me appreciate the ways God has often stripped my soul bare in order to re-make me in the image of Christ. It made me wonder how many times I’ve attempted to pretty myself up in order to look presentable as a way of overcompensating for my weaknesses. Ultimately though, I’ve been taken with crystals and the beauty of light. I remember that the Gospel is a jewel and that scripture tells me to ‘work out my salvation with fear and trembling.’ The picture in the Greek is to hold a prism up to the light and turn it every way possible to appreciate its many facets. Talk about relevant! The Gospel is stunning and so multi-faceted. I should never think I’ve arrived in appreciating it if I perceive it as simply one-dimensional.
As we gather around our table this Christmas, and as I see the crystals reflect the light of Christmas day, I will silently ponder the ‘Light of the world’ in all of His beauty.
Why would I ever hide You! You are on full display this Christmas. Open the eyes of the blind to behold Your light. Amen
David asks for God’s help in today’s scripture. He petitions for spiritual understanding of the scriptures so that he will be able to meditate in a heartfelt way. Understanding precedes meditation. Truth must always be a heart thing!
Do you know someone who expresses no remorse? They are simply unable to recognize what their sin against another causes. Many wives and husbands are cruel to each other. Hurtful things are said and treacherous things are done. When the one who feels betrayed speaks up, backs up, and expresses pain, remorse is absent. But when the pain of consequences is felt, a token “Sorry!” is expressed. There is an expectation that everything should be back to normal. He, or she, fails to know the repercussions of his actions.
Lord, forgive us for looking to broken cisterns for living water. As your children, we may live wanting, groaning for your kingdom to come, but we will not be crippled by uncertainty. We will not succumb to the anxiety of second guessing our future. Our leaders disappoint us but You rule perfectly. Our joy and confidence is in Your Kingship. Each of us pray this out loud today until our whole beings believe it.
The ambassador leaves. He makes his home in China, or Pakistan, or Kenya. He does not look like anyone else nor truly live like anyone else there. He abides by the laws of his new country but he is not a citizen. He promotes and executes the policies of his country back home. He speaks on behalf of the president, on behalf of the government, knowing that as he exerts his rule, his leaders back home back him up. As long as he acts in accordance with his country’s principles, he is protected.
I remember when Jesus’ identity was questioned. He claimed that God was his Father. The religious leaders were indignant, calling him a liar. If Jesus had not been perfect, He could have easily risen up to defend himself the way we often do. “How dare you question my word! I told you that God was my Father and I am His Son. You apparently have no idea who you’re talking to!” Anyone other than Jesus would have been tempted to stand in the pride of his celebrity status. This temptation would have bitten most children of men.
Is there something I find myself in the middle of today that seems sticky? Perhaps if I were dealing with a stranger, I’d take a stand but because it’s a friend or family member, the waters muddy. I know there are repercussions if I think differently from those who know me best. To give myself a way out, I begin to rationalize. “I shouldn’t make a big deal out of this. It’s not like this is the end of the world if I give in.” Those thoughts signal a red flag. The real issue is this ~ What would Jesus do if he were in my place?
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