MY GROWN UP CHRISTMAS LIST!

 

Sunday, December 6, 2020

 

MY GROWN UP CHRISTMAS LIST!

 

Phil 4:12

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

 

Phil 4:18

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

 

           Paul had experienced both adequacy and deficiency. He knew how to respond to both conditions with grace and thanksgiving. The word “abased,” in verse 12 is literally humiliation and the word “abound” literally means “to cram full.” He had visited both extremes and found God residing at both places.

 

           Christmas is coming, and there is almost an urgent need to have a need. I feel the pressure of it. I take pen in hand to write out my wish list and am suddenly afflicted with writer’s block! I cannot think of anything I need, and I can’t decide upon anything I want. I am full and abound.

 

           Moreover, I’ve reached the age that I value those things which can’t be wrapped in pretty paper and tied up with a bow. I cherish the love of friends and kin. I never quite get enough of that. I’ll put that at the top of my list. Next will be time. Time is that soft and unhurried space without appointments or disappointments. Yes, this definitely belongs on my list. I long for a regathering of scattered family with laughter. I can’t find a box or bow adequate for these things.

 

           This year, the shelves are empty of truth and peace. These have not been hoarded due to short supply but used up and tossed aside in favor of lies and discord. Our fox-hole-sleep has been disturbed by nightmares of insecurity. I’ve never seen a nation more divided.

 

Hab 3:17-18

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

 

Dear Lord, I need little and those things I want cannot be found in stores. Let me be content with you.  AMEN