“…I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” Psalm 52:8-9
I received a Christmas letter from my brother, Simon, that really made me think about the heaviness of this last year’s circumstances and its antidote. I joined him in meditating on Phiilippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
I’d like to share his words, for he says it much better than I.
“As I took my walk on White Road into the redwoods my heart was heavy with life’s pains and sorrows that my family has endured through this challenging year. As I meditated on Philippians 4:8, I looked up at the beautiful majestic tall redwood trees on the side of a steep hill and wondered how they were able to grow and survive. I wondered what it was like being a sapling and dealing with all the challenges of life with droughts, mud slides and even fires. What kept them growing? I then realized it was the sun that gave them life to mature into tall, majestic trees. Every day the sun would nurture them. However, the life-giving precious rays of light are actually from a massive star dying, and with its breath it shines brightly, thus reminding me of what Jesus Christ did for us.
Jesus Christ, the “ultimate light of the world,” also died so we can have life. And as we go through life’s struggles and pains, let us never, ever forget what Jesus Christ did for us by dying on a cross to pay for our sins so we can have life. As for all trees, they will eventually die and decay, but—for us who are chosen thru faith and hope—when we die, our souls will get even closer to the Son and live for all eternity with no more sorrows or pain, but only praise for God the Son…”
“Praise the Father, Praise the Son,
Praise the Spirit, Three in One.
Clothed in power and in grace
the name above all other names.”
(Lyrics by Chris Tomlin)
Almighty God, this Christmas season may we focus our thoughts upon Your great gift to us—the innocent baby meant to grow into the man who would save us from our sins. May all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise guide our thoughts and actions. May Your joy be our strength and Your Blessed Hope be our peace. We submit to Your will and ask that the events coming in 2021 will draw us closer to You, exercising the confidence that You will intervene in our lives and in world events to bring about Your plan for the ages. You are Faithful God, Keeper of Your promises, our good, Good Father. May Your Praise ever be in our hearts and on our lips. You are Love, and we offer back to you what you have freely given us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Offered by Julie Hill