The Eleventh Day of Christmas by Marie VanderWyngaard
I’m so glad Jesus came down from heaven to take on the human form of a helpless newborn!
We are all familiar with stories of the events spanning Jesus’ short life on earth following His birth. These have been well documented in the sacred writings of our faith. Jesus had an enormous amount to teach us. More wisdom and understanding than could ever be contained in all the books in the world (as the Bible clearly states). Even after I’ve read, pondered, and studied the Bible for decades, much of it remains somewhat of a mystery to me. A splendid, holy mystery. And yet, I know that all of it is as true as the day is long. Some of us spend lifetimes trying to wrap our heads around these mysteries and their implications for the world at large, as well as for each one of us on Earth, personally, in our own tiny little corners of the world.
I hope and pray that each of us has experienced the presence of Christ in this season, in one form or another. For me, there have been many such incidences. Some have been simple, surprising, or straightforward. Others have been complex, multilayered and indeed, profound! (Sometimes I like to use the term ‘gobsmacking’ instead of profound.)
Of course, we have all definitely felt His presence in our worship services at church, in our devotional times, in the love of family members as we have come together over Christmas, when a loved one prepares a bountiful meal of all of our favourite things, or when out of the blue, a sudden uncontrollable urge comes over us to perform a random act of kindness.
Jesus’ presence was felt, too, in the bountiful Community Dinner held for a record number of souls who came from the areas immediately surrounding our church building.
Jesus’ presence was tangible for me when it came in the form of fellowship with Christian friends. As a few souls gathered with me around a table one afternoon, each revealed reports of answered prayers; we rejoiced at the tales of blessings in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Each one also shared requests for prayers to be lifted up before the throne–these were related to some not-so-pleasant trials for them, their friends and loved ones, their community, and indeed, around the world! The strength, courage, peace and fellowship found when Christians truly care about, advocate for, and pray for one another is another mystery to me! But the outcomes, whether they involve family, friends or strangers on the other side of the planet are also as real as real can be. Jesus’ mysterious presence is definitely revealed in these outcomes!
Our small group continued in Jesus’ presence while praising Him with readings, poetry, memories, songs of praise, and warm feelings kindled by the bonds of friendship. There was shared joy, emotional pain, laughter and grief. Christ revealed that all of these things are so much better (or easier, as the case may be) when we band together. Does not the holy Bible state that we are to spread His perfect peace and joy, and to share with those in need? And that a cord of three strands can not be easily broken? Without fail, we are mysteriously and richly rewarded when we embrace and obey these teachings.
Christ has revealed this season that, when we take the time to press in and learn (I mean REALLY learn) about the lives of others, we not only discover more about Christ, ourselves, and others, we each become more intrigued by, interested in and invested in one another. This in turn leads to praying for individuals’ personal needs, and into helping meet practical needs, all the while, leading to God being glorified. What a beautiful mystery!
This is not a new revelation, but Christ has revealed once again, during this season, that we are to maintain these postures and attitudes of loving, advocating for and caring for others as we do ourselves. (Doesn’t the Bible say to think more highly of others than of ourselves?) But, we are not to reserve these practices for the Christmas season! They are to be utilized fully, every day, of every week, of every month, of every year. And certainly, not only when we ‘feel like it!’ Wouldn’t it follow then, that the more we embrace these habits (which we have clearly been commanded to do), the closer to Jesus we become?
I don’t know about you, but I want to become closer to and more like Jesus every day! Nobody said it would be easy. No! Wait! Mysteriously enough, Jesus did say it would be easy… “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Hard to argue with the God and Saviour of the entire universe, right?!
Yes, I am SO glad that Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth as a helpless newborn, to bless us beyond measure, and do everything that He has done, for me, for you, and for every soul in the entire world, in such a wonderful and mysterious way!
You can find a downloadable PDF of this reflection here.
Each day, a new reflection will drop here. We hope you enjoy them and reflect upon, experiencing the presence of Christ in this season.