Month: December 2023

Morning Dew #65

God, my Transformer

Massachusetts Pond at Fall. Photograph by Josephine

The Bible often uses the term “certain person” when there is a significant positive or negative role that a person is about to play in an unfolding narrative.

In the Old Testament Esther was a queen who used her position of influence to avert tragedy in the lives of others. She is remembered for her selfless sacrificial words, “If I perish, I perish.”

Job was known  as “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” He is memorialized for his unrelenting faith and trust in God even in personal tragedies, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

In the New Testament, Jesus said Mary Magdalene would always be remembered for her unmatched gratitude and loving generosity. 

Then there was a “certain creditor” known for his vengeful, unforgiving intolerance. Who when forgiven his insurmountable debt was uncompromising in his pitiless, exacting demands on his debtors. 

What am I known for? When others think of me, do they see a selfless Esther, a faith-filled Job, a generous and loving Mary, or a vengeful and unforgiving creditor? 

What better time than the New Year to take stock of who we are and who we would like to be as that “certain person”.

Dear Lord, make me into that “certain person” who others think of when they are in need of comfort, acceptance, and caring. Amen

Morning Dew #64

God, my X

Christmas Scene in Massachusetts. Photograph by Josephine

“Christmas” or “Xmas”, what will it be? 

This is a raging discussion between two camps— those who believe that the name “Christmas” retains the piety of the season, and those who prefer the seemingly non-sectarian name, “Xmas”. Interestingly, both camps could agree to disagree— not on grounds of piety but style!  

Both groups, knowingly or unknowingly, celebrate Christ’s birth since both names speak of Him! The Greek letter “X” or “Chi”, is the first letter in the name “Christos”— the Anointed One. “X” was first used in the 16th century as an abbreviation for “Christ”; while the suffix “mass” means a religious celebration or commissioning.

Let’s not make questions of piety or style distract us from celebrating this wondrous season and the Promise it brings. 

Dear Lord, may I not be distracted or redirected by the tinkling bells of Santa Claus, there ubiquitous clamor of music, the spectacle of gold and silver tinsel, or the clink of glasses, but may I hear the Love message that rang pure and true that holy night as angels proclaimed and shepherds celebrated the beautiful promise of a Savior who is called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Amen

Morning Dew #63

God, my Renewer

“Poinsettias red, blood red in warm December”- Claude McKay. Photograph by Josephine

The Readers’ Digest tells us that the colors most associated with Christmas are red and green. 

These colors have over time gained symbolic significance. Red being the color of blood, has been used to symbolize sacrifice, strength, and passion. Green symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, healing, growth, and abundance. White is symbolic of perfection and purity for almost all world religions— so says Wikipedia.  

Interestingly, these three colors are in the poinsettia which decorates most homes in the Christmas season. The poinsettia’s green stems and red leaves when broken, bleed white! In addition, come spring, these red leaves turn green. The poinsettia tells the spiritual story of sacrifice, rebirth, purity, and abundance!

The Bible tells us that through Christ’s sacrifice and blood we may enjoy a new beginning, purity and an abundant life. 

It is interesting that most people choose red as their decoration and dress for Christmas celebrations. Knowingly or unknowingly, at Christmas we celebrate the sacrificial gift of Christ, and the opportunity for the new beginning and perfection that He offers. 

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your sacrifice and shed blood for me. Help me to purposefully accept this Gift and to daily walk in the peace that Your presence brings. Amen

Morning Dew #62

God, my Light

Leominster, Massachusetts. Photograph by Josephine

We know it’s Christmas! Houses, lawns, trees, and store windows sparkle with iridescent red, green, and silver lights. The air is filled with tinkling bells and joyful carols raise our spirits. 

Lights at Christmas knowingly or unknowingly, celebrate the coming of the “Light of the world”. At Christmas we go around with a carol on our lips, smiles that light up our eyes, and hands that bear thoughtful gifts. Why should such a beautiful scene end?

When the Christmas lights go out, let’s promise to continue to be lights! May the windows to our hearts still glow with friendship, the doors of our homes still say welcome, and the words from our lips still be carols of hope, caring, and peace.

Jesus,“the Light of the world”, calls us to be lights on a hill that will not be put out by fear of ridicule, criticism or hate. Let’s shine brightly, unapologetically, and uncompromisingly as we go about lifting burdens, cheering the despondent, feeding the hungry, and befriending the lonely.

Dear Lord, may the fragrance of Your presence in my life, and the Light of Your Spirit bring hope, peace, joy to all who seek it this holy season of gift giving. Amen