What have you been waiting for?

     This year I have the opportunity to portray Simeon in our Church's Christmas program.  Now most people would not naturally link Simeon or Anna, both who were prophetic people, with Christmas.  Even though, the fact is that in as far as the Christmas narrative goes, they both appear upon the scene after the actual birth of Jesus.  But then again, if we are looking for biblical accuracy, the Three Kings ( the Magi) didn't show up to the actual event either.  Yet our traditions have them there.  Then there's the little drummer boy, who knows where he came from?  ( though I must admit, "The little drummer boy is MY favorite Christmas show, though I hate it when the lamb gets hurt)       In Luke 2: 25 -38, Mary and Joseph are at the Temple giving the proper offering for a first born child, and dedicating Him to the Lord.  This is only days after the actual birth.  This is where Simeon comes upon the scene.  For most of his adult life, the Holy Spirit has told this man that before he dies, he will get to see the long awaited Messiah ( Christ) . He is now very old, and has waited for all of his life holding this promise in his heart.
     Simeon lived quite some time never having the opportunity to see even a hint of what God had shared with him come to pass or full fruition.  Can you relate to him?  Imagine living 60, 70 years or more,never seeing what you believe will happen because God told you it would happen?  He spoke it to your heart.  Yet, year in and year out, never seeing it come to pass.  That is living by faith and not by sight!
     As I play this individual in a few days, I will have to convey both the longing and the actual fulfillment of seeing prophecy come to pass before your very eyes.  The joy of 60 years of pent up hope released by seeing and holding a baby. The scriptures speaks his words this way,

                                 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.
                                  according to thy word:
                                 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
                                 which thou hast prepared before
                                the face of all people.
                                 a light to lighten the Gentiles
                                and the glory of thy people Israel"

     Simeon's words fill my heart with both joy and sadness.  He was able to endure and apprehend what he had lived his whole life not seeing.  Facing the possibility of ridicule every time he would share his innermost faith with others.  Wrestling with unfulfilled desires as each year passed by with no new hope in sight, while tyranny's oppressive shadow blotted out the sun of a bright future.  Lingering doubt, bearing hard upon the solid rock of an inner knowing; that only a Spirit spoken word can create within your heart.  Imagine, living a long life with these feelings weighing upon your psyche?  That is Simeon.

     Then that day arrives.  The Holy Spirit spoke to his heart , and told him to get down to the Temple that morning.  How many false starts had he had before, when his mind had gotten ahead of his spirit?  But today was not one of those promptings, it was different!  This was the day that he would see, speak to, and handle the promise of all the ages.  Yet, deep down he knew that he would not live to see the Messiah in all of His earthly glory, that that day would come for him in the far distant future.  How would you handle that?
     When I look at Simeon I see all of us.  I am challenged to wonder if I would have lasted as long holding on only to a longheld promise with so little forward momentum to show for it?  Would I have aquiesced, and become absorbed into the futility  and despair of the world around me?  How about you?
     May I suggest that you take the time this year to start a new tradition ?  This year begin to add Simeon and Anna into the calvalcade of characters that you bring into your Christmas traditions.  Two faithful people who came just days after the birth, to bear witness that the babe was the fulfillment of prophecy.  Two people who show us that sometimes the wait is just as much a part of recieving the gift, as the gift itself.
    

Are their Angels watching over you?

     A couple of weeks ago, I wrote in the Blog about psalm 91.  I had suggested that it could even be used as a prayer of sorts.  Of course, that would be in form only, and not as a "formal prayer" in and of itself.
     It is good to let the thoughts of how God protects, and watches over us sink into our soul.  The whole theme of how he covers, delivers, and guards us; are all things worthy of prayer and meditation. I also particularly like how it says that, "He will give His angels charge concerning you".
      What a comforting thought!  We don't use the word "charge" much anymore.  Except in it's limited financial meaning.  It means, " to entrust with a duty or responsibility".  So let's read Psalm 91:11 again with that meaning in mind. 
       " for He will give His angels the duty and responsibility to guard you in all your ways"

 Wow, what a powerful and and comforting thought!
     As I was continuing to read through the Book of Psalms, I also came across this gem.  It adds even more punch to an already amazing train of thought.  It comes from Psalms 103: 19-22. 
           " Bless the Lord, you His angels
             Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
             Obeying the voice of His word!
             Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
             You who serve Him, doing His will "
   It shows me that angels are actively involved in carrying out God's will and word. 
 It gives me a sense of security to know by faith that God and His kingdoms hierarchy are actively being engaged for my benefit.  Watching over me, my family, and all who call upon his name, to perform His word.
     There are many, many times when I know that just as in the Book of Acts, that the Lord dispatched an angel for our safety and benefit.  Our family makes it our custom before we travel to pray and ask for God's protection over us, our vehicles, and instill in us good driving skills.  We trust that he hears our prayers.

     There was one particular time that set us in this frame of mind several years ago.  Our young family was driving in our compact car in Southern California.  We were in the middle lane of the heavily congested, yet fast moving traffic on the 91 freeway.  Like some kind of six lane co joined behemoth of individual cars all cruising at highway speed, we all coursed the beltway through Riverside county together.
     Then it happened.  For some unknown reason, a couple of cars directly in front of us stepped on the brakes.  Then the multiplier effect happened, and six lanes of brakes lights flashed and stayed on as the once shimmering sea of cars came to an abrupt halt.  We responded to the split second notice of danger.  At the same time having no idea how the multitudes of cars who had been traveling at highway speed directly behind us would respond ?
     I have always heard that when you get into an accident, survivors all say that time seemed to go in slow motion during the event.  I know that for me it did.  All I remember is our car jerking to a stop, and then going into a spin.  In that moment, you just wait for the impact.  Yet it never happened.  We did at least one maybe two spins, and came to a solid stop facing the oncoming traffic, all six lanes!
     Words really can't put those seconds into a succinct sentence or paragraph.  Other than saying that you get a stunning sense of relief and utter perplexity that overwhelms your being.  We simply took what were probably only a few momentary seconds to register the mental imagine of a freeway full of headlights and grills staring us down in a united wall, a mere 20 to 30' from our front end. The look into each others eyes, knowing that there had to be angels all around us.  Their charge kept, making sure that not only we, but that everyone around us was kept safe so that they too could make their own journey home.
     We put the car in gear, made a 180 degree turn from the middle lane of the freeway, and then proceeded on our way.  A nervous laugh, then thankful praise filled the car.  We knew that even in a moment when it doesn't seem like you have a second to pray, He has already dispatched those who are assigned to keep charge over us!
    
     
    

Cardboard testimonies...Do you have one?

     In church on Sunday, a good friend Pastor Sid preached.  He always has an uplifting, and encouraging message to share with the body of believers.  During the course of the sermon, he had us all watch a video entitled, "Cardboard testimonies".  In a day and time, when we are all exposed to the sad plight of so many who have come to the place of relying upon a cardboard sign to make their plea for help heard.  This video takes that idea, and turns it on it's head.
      It uses the concept of taking a simple cardboard sign, and sharing with those who read it, the testimony of what God has done in their lives.  These signs, like those of the street corner herald, challenge us with their message.   Only instead of asking,; these signs shout the story not of inability, but of God's supreme ability!  Not of lack, but of provision. They shout a new reality in a world of hopelessness.
     I searched YouTube and found the video that pastor Sid showed us last Sunday.  I was also amazed to find that many churches have stumbled upon this very same idea, and  have obviously used it to present their own  fellowships with the good news of Jesus.  How He can and does change lives.  I happen to have chosen for this Blog a different video for you to watch.  Not for any other reason than  that I liked the mellow music better, and you could see the big smiles on the peoples faces clearer.  I am an easy target for a real "feel good" movie.
     But, as you watch this short video, please, please do not let the serious nature of the message be lightened by the soft music and warm fuzzies.  Let the compassion of the heart of the Father sink in to your heart, so in grateful remembrance you  too may create in your mind what YOUR cardboard testimony might say?  And if you don't have one?....let Him write it for you, in His blood, and by His grace!