Nativity’s Cross

My wife and I are repurposers.  I found the old chalkwork nativity figures in a box of junk at a yard sale.  I’m a Christmas junkie, so I immediately made plans to use them.  As I worked building the stable God impressed upon me the true meaning of Christmas.  You’ll notice the star shines forth from the cross.  Since I always write a poetic piece for Christmas, I wanted it to convey these truths.  I hope you enjoy it.

Merry Christmas!

Nativity’s Cross

 

The wise men pursuing

The birth of a king,

But it’s bittersweet sorrow

That Calvary would bring.

 

A new mom and dad

Proud as could be,

But the babe lying still

Is destined for Calvary.

 

In Bethlehem’s heart

Joy bells are ringing.

To shepherds close by

Angels are singing.

 

Good tidings for all

Who traverse earth’s sod,

But it’s the old rugged cross

In the heart of our God.

Peace Be Still

I hesitated to write this post.  If any of you have read this blog or any of my other meanderings, you know I usually write a cheerful poetic piece for the Christmas season.

This year has been a little different, though.  In our family we’ve experienced the loss of my dad, as well as other loved ones.  It was necessary to sell the family home where we experienced so many wonderful Christmas memories.  Then, just a few days ago, our nation was shaken by the shooting of twenty school children ages six through seven in a senseless act of violence.

So, I just don’t feel like writing the normal verse about tinsel, packages, shining stars and the like.  Just like everyone else I’ve been asking why, why, why?

The truth of the matter is; there isn’t but one answer.  God help me, I knew it.  I’ve known it and taught it enough years.  It is why Jesus sat down with his disciples the last time they were together before his death and he taught them where to look in times like these.   Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Now, this is advanced discipleship but learn it well.  Jesus did not come primarily to give us some Christmas carols and a manger scene.  He came to bring us salvation, to bring us life and, yes, to bring us peace in the midst of the storm.  The vehicle to get us there was the cross.  When you question God, go there first.  He knows about sorrow, tears, pain, suffering and anguish.  Every time I’ve ever questioned Him and there have been a lot of them, He has pointed me there.

I hope you find comfort that leads to joy in these verses.  Jesus isn’t just the reason for the season; He is indeed love, life and peace.

Merry Christmas.

Show Me The Cross

 

Although it’s Christmastime again,

Peace yields to death and loss.

Amidst the chaos, where were you Lord?

He simply shows me the cross.

 

I ask again and yet again,

Didn’t you see the pain, the cost?

The lives in shambles all around?

He calmly shows me the cross.

 

I need a word to lean on, Lord,

As the storm billows round me toss.

The sound I hear is “Peace be still”,

As He lovingly shows me the cross.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Master

I work for a distributor of petroleum products.  In reality, I’m a glorified dispatcher.  A few days ago, one of my drivers, James, came to me and said, “Let me tell you a funny story.”  He said, “Yesterday I was getting ready to get in my pickup to go home when I noticed Calvin sitting next to his car, on the pavement, legs crossed Indian style and his head hung low.  I asked him if he was alright.  His only response was, ‘I give up.  Nothing has gone right today.  I give up.’  As it turns out, he’d mistakenly locked his keys in his car.  I told him if he’d give me about three minutes, I’d have it unlocked.  It didn’t take but two.” 

 

You see, unbeknown to Calvin, James was a master at unlocking the locked car.  It is a funny story, but is indicative of a profound truth.  Come, journey back with me two thousand years.

 

The disciples of Jesus had walked with Him for three years.  During that time, He had tried, many times, to teach the formula for spiritual success: surrender.

 

The night Jesus was arrested they all either ran or denied Him.  Often we look at them, as if to say, what a bunch of failures.  The truth is Jesus had them exactly where He wanted them.  It is the same place He has to bring each one of us.  He can’t really teach us and use us until we give up.  We have to give up our initiatives and pre-conceived ideas.  They had them and so do we. 

 

Calvin had to give up and let a “master” car thief teach him something.  We have to give up and simply follow the Master.