LET US REJOICE

It’s that time of year again and while many of my age have memories of folks cheerfully calling out, “Merry Christmas!” as a general greeting, such is fast becoming politically incorrect. While there is no place in the scripture that specifically tells us to commemorate the birth of Jesus at a specific time or times, as is the guidance given for remembering His death*, we, like the angels, respond in joy when we consider what the birth of our Savior meant and means to this world!
Today I had the blessing and privilege of visiting with a happy young man who has spent hours preparing his house and yard with decorative lights to celebrate the upcoming festive season. As a neighbor, I wanted him to know that I was going to appreciate his efforts so I stepped toward him from across the street as I called out, “Merry Christmas!”
He looked up with a smile as he momentarily stopped his work and said, “Merry Christmas! I’m trying to get done a little early because we’re expecting a new little one next Tuesday!”
As I stepped closer, my face must have lit up enough to challenge any number of strings of bright lights that now adorned his house when I said, “A baby? I love babies!” I then went on to explain how I was the last after three big brothers and always thought a little sister would have been a welcome addition.
He had a big grin on his face as he explained that their son, about four years old, whom I had met earlier, is really excited and wants his baby brother right now!
With encouragement to let us know if they needed us for anything and wishes for all to be well, along with smiles, we parted company for today, but I came home with thoughts of comparisons between the world this baby boy will be entering and the world entered by the One much of the world takes time to remember in December each year.
While there are world differences between then and now, just as surely as God had a plan for that Bethlehem Babe, so too, He has a plan for our neighbor’s newborn child.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:16 (ESV)

And now, just as in that long ago, there will be rejoicing in that a child is born.

*Luke 22:17-20,I Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 20:7
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 11-28-2009

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

As my friend shared her writing about her search for the perfect picture-taking opportunity of fallen autumn leaves, in my mind I walked through the falling leaves with her, and heard the crunch underfoot while looking around at all the trees while she waited for the perfect day for all the colors to be just right. In addition, I joined her in the disappointment of having to wait, knowing from past experience that one day of wind and rain could mean missing out all together on the perfect moments of ultimate color. Ah, but then, (sigh)...relief! I rejoiced with her when the perfect day and opportunity arrived when she fulfilled her heart’s desire with the photos she wanted!
As I thought on her story, I was reminded, too, that sometimes we don't get what we ask for, but that God has something else entirely planned. Sometimes, the winds and rains come swiftly and within a day the world of brilliant color is turned to drab shades of gray and brown. The crisp leaves absorb the moisture while drowning in the puddles and turn to mush in the now muddy walkways on the ground.
Still, there is often opportunity for beautiful, though simple, black and white photography in those stark branches reaching towards the sky on those gray days. It is not the gorgeous, colorful autumn scene we had pictured in our photographer minds, but sometimes God has a different scene planned beyond our close-up vision. All we have to do is be willing to open our eyes to see what else He has prepared. If we are willing to look beyond our limited frame, He will help us see what He wants us to find.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 11-14-2009