I imagine my story pales in comparison with the Nativity Story, but I couldn't help feeling a slight affinity with the events leading up to this year's Christmas Day. It's a long story, if you don't mind I would like to review:
The Bible is the story of Jesus, to clarify for those who are not quite sure what it is. There is a lovely passage in there listing the bloodline from Adam to Jesus, and then a large PERIOD after (for those who are looking for any "descendants" of the Christ. War, slavery, exile, great journeys and deaths pave the way to that Great Arrival. But even that was just half of the story. His subsequent death - and conquering of death - was the next milestone, and now we await the Great End... which is, of course, A New Beginning. But we should celebrate Christmas today, because all stories, epics, legends and heroes have a Beginning. And if you take a look at Genesis 1:1, you will find the unequivocal introduction to Jesus: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God."
Anyway... just THINKING about everything and everyone that came before a baby was born in Bethlehem makes me reel in perspective. The horrors before the glory, the deaths before the Life, the slavery before the salvation.
Like I said earlier, MY life pales in comparison. But only because it's supposed to. As John the Baptist said, "He must become more, I must become less." Indeed. Needless to say, a few days ago I could summarize my daily routine as such: God blesses me in the morning, curses me in the afternoon, and shows mercy in the evening. Repeat.
But something happened. This holiday season, things seem to fall in places I never dreamed of before. As if the negative cyclones of life pulled its punches and let the sun shine through. Like that night of turmoil in Bethlehem, beginning with a manhunt and genocide, ending with a Divine Birth. Is this the start of something new? Or does this birth lead to an early Calvary? Only time can tell.
Christmas at the office is fun. A noche buena consisting of 2 slices of spam, morcon, corn and carrots, a caramel brownie, a cup of fruit and OJ (with second helpings!) is a great meal. Season's Greetings sent out thru SMS to as many people as possible is one useful function I tolerate in cellphones. Although I dislike the homogenous greetings to Dee, Era, Maxi, Ina, Anna, Maggie, Joan, Helen and others, I hope the thought counts - the thought that God blesses these wonderful, beautiful people for as long as they live... and beyond.
Happy Holidays, everyone! Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you, God!
Greetings
Royal Priests are everywhere. Any believer of Jesus the Christ our Lord and Savior is called to priesthood. Any heart that is restless and breaks free in small bursts of grace, any soul that persists under pressure, any mind that ponders the vastness of the glory of God is a Royal Priest.
Not to take too much of the spotlight, but this blog is my part in the story, indeed The Greatest Story Ever Written - the story of God and mankind. Though the holy fire has been doused somewhat with my reunion with the world, the embers are here - with the hope that you, dear reader, might have enough to light your way. Remember, Our Lord is always with us...even in everyday moments. Nothing is so "real" that it loses its spiritual side. If you need anything, know that His Door is always open and His Light is always on. May God bless you always, my friend.
Answer the call, and begin the adventure of your life.
Royal References & Recommendations
- Websites - Godsblogs.org, Godspeaks.com, Desiringgod.org, Multnomahbooks.com
- Music - Jars of Clay, DC Talk, The Fighting Temptations OST, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Hillsong
- Movies - The Passion of the Christ, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Barabbas, The Ten Commandments, The Gospel of John, The Prince of Egypt, Joseph: King of Dreams
- Books - Experiencing The Heart of Jesus Books 1 & 2 by Max Lucado, The Pleasures of God by John Piper, The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren, God's Blogs by Lanny Donoho, Gods of Power by David M. Steyne
