Happy Christmas Eve Eve! Is it too early to celebrate the Savior’s birth? Nah, I’ve been in the spirit this whole week.
So the #ChristmasStar2020 got me thinking last night. I saw a post on social media that compared “our” expectation of the Christmas Star to the “Great Conjunction” that many were able to view on the night of the 21st. Many were not impressed by what they saw. I did not see a plethora of amazing pics on the ‘Gram. The buzz that led up to Monday night seemed to fizzle out fast. But isn’t that the way God works. If it was a massively blinding star in the sky, it sure would be easy to believe God created this for us in this season. Maybe what we saw in 2020 is exactly what the Shepherds and Wise Men saw. If “The Star of Bethlehem” was the blinding light we have always imagined it to be, I am sure there would have been much more than just three Magi and a few sheep herders. But those brave few knew what they were looking for, they understood who God is. He’s the God who changed the world with a Baby Boy born humbly in a manger. Do you have to see a magnificent star in the sky to believe that? If you do, you are missing the whole point of faith. I missed “The Great Conjunction” on Monday night because I was busy at work, but when I had a moment to settle and remember how significant this alignment was during this particular season of humanity, I felt a much needed shot of faith and love, something the world needs far greater than any vaccine.
Today we begin to enjoy my top 3! Christmas songs, starting with a double-header by Mr. Brandon Heath. I love, love, love this song by Mr. Heath. The lyrics are so sweet, painting such an honest picture of Mary, just a girl, who is about to change the world. And she did, all thanks to God giving us the ultimate gift of His Son, Jesus.
And this second song by Mr. Heath is a great reminder of the “thrill of hope” the world was given back on that first Christmas when “lying in a manger is the King of Kings.” How fitting are these lyrics in this time, in this moment: “You see that star up in the sky, it’s ours tonight.” The “Great Conjunction,” an alignment that has not happened in the last 800 years just happened on our watch, in our generation, in our moment America. How did that restore, reinvigorate, or reignite your hope?
December 23
19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. (Revelation 19:19, 20)
Revelation is a very dark and violent end to the Bible. Well, not violent in terms of our society today, but in terms of the love and peace Christ preached, this is a much different Jesus. He returns to wage a final war against God’s enemies and cleans them up with little resistance.
We are going to take a short break from Revelation to focus on the celebration of the birth of our Savior. When we return to the book the last few days of the year, we’ll look at Jesus ushering in the end of time.
The reading is done, time to use your extra time to spread the love of Christ!
Prayer and meditation: Prayers of gratitude for the miracle of Christ.
Fitness challenge: We’re moving Thursday’s AMRAP up a day so you can relax the next two days. 15 minutes, as many rounds as you can get:
- 10 x Burpees
- 1-minute plank
Run: Sprint work-out. We’ll mix it up this month between ladder work and longer sprint
½ mile warm-up
200, 400, 800, 800, 400, 200 for three rounds
½ mile cool-down
Common Sense Reborn 