“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2 v. 11
Monday December 12th, 2022
4:30 am
As I write this note to you, I have, lying beside me, my beautiful granddaughter. When my daughter asked me to help for a few days over the weekend, I was overjoyed. My daughter and her family reside about 45 minutes from me, so every chance I can visit with Nehemiah, all things must be reasonably put aside. In the category of ‘things,’ I mainly speak of writing, crafts, and other aspects outside of constant daily routine.
I’ll try earnestly to continue the topic I began last week. However, there are no certainties that I will follow through with what’s on my heart, taking it to a conclusion. For I know there’s always next week, but I cannot get this time with this beautiful little angel back, no matter how hard I try.
Henri Nouwen wrote:
It is hard to believe that God would reveal his divine presence to us in the self-emptying, humble way of the man from Nazareth. So much in me seeks influence, power, success, and popularity. But the way of Jesus is the way of hiddenness, powerlessness, and littleness. It does not seem a very appealing way. Yet when I enter into true, deep communion with Jesus, I will find that it is this small way that leads to real peace and joy.
The simple and precious gifts of the season give me peace and joy. These gifts Jesus continues to offer in his honest and humble way. The idea of regifting has no room in His heart. Because He gives newness every day, it is simply up to us to remain in His humbleness through complete adherence to God’s words.
Nehemiah is awake now, and I must go on this Monday. I’ll revisit this tomorrow. But again, time with Nehemiah takes precedence. So, we’ll see!
Tuesday December 13th, 2022
11:47 am/lunchtime
Nehemiah sleeps!
Some may find this tedious or unnecessary when reading Matthew’s human Jewish genealogy. Others may say, ‘let’s get to the story’. But Matthew’s reasoning is far more than we can even fathom. Here we see how Matthew traces Jesus back to Abraham, bringing to the forefront Jesus’ Jewish heritage (Matt. 1 v. 21). We come to understand that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. However, as God’s gift to our chaotic world, Jesus’ birth was miraculous. In Matthew, we see that with this miracle, God kept His word complete (Genesis 3 v. 15).
Nehemiah is waking up, and I must hurry!
Next week, I’ll go a bit deeper concerning the magnificent event foretold in Matthew 1 vv. 18-24 and Luke 1, 2. In addition, I’ll discuss the fascinating Magus. But I want to quickly highlight an answer to Job’s question.
Job asked:
“How can he who is born of a woman be pure?” (Job 25 v. 4)
A quote by Dr. F.B. Meyer said this:
“Christ was born of a woman; yet He made a woman. He ate and hungered, drank and thirsted; yet he made the corn grow on the mountains and poured the rivers from His crystal chalice. He needed sleep; yet, He slumbers not and need not to repair His wasted energy. He wept; yet He created the lachrymal duct…what else can we do but bow in reverence before such a stupendous miracle.”
Yes, these gifts He continuously gives to you and to me! Again, I ask myself. What can I give you, Jesus? What can I give you to mirror your faithful acts of love?
I am thrilled to dig a bit deeper next week. This topic brings me such excitement. I’ve learned so much from great Christian teachers, leading me to go about my discoveries. I wait to eagerly share specifically the verses I discussed in my reflection last week. What is unique about having these discussions is that they come directly from God’s words without trying to add to them. Nouwen shared above that knowing as God intended us to do, we enter into true, deep communion with Jesus.
Now Nehemiah needs me, so I must go.
I’ll be right here next week!
Char
Source:
Nouwen, H. (2017). You are beloved: Daily meditations for spiritual living. Convergent Press and The Henri Nouwen Trust.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thank you, Char, for the usual UPLIFTING THOUGHTS from scripture and inspired Christian writers. Like Henri Nouwen, you make Jesus real for me, in my day!
Meditating on His words does, of course, when I specially make more time as I can…
In short, your writings make Him available NOW, as well as basis for Bible study!
Awww! Thanks so much for your lovely thoughts, Susan!
Char