. . . after the Joan Izzo Academy of Dance production of "Kingdom of Sweets" and "Holiday Rhythms." The girls all did very well to put together this difficult show within the short time available. It is such a joy to see these girls who have know each other for a long time work so hard to put on such a show, and on the academy's stated foundation of dancing as a testimony of God's lordship.
We missed worship today. Cynthia was under the weather earlier and after last night several of us (Mom, Bob, Katie Beth, Abby, and Rachael) were tired after such a long day yesterday. Looking forward to a three day work week. I enjoy working, but I look forward to the holidays, too. I think it has to do with the need for rest, as God intends.
And it is not such a quiet night at the moment. For now, Grandmom is learning to play Parcheesi, so it is a little noisy with three youngsters trying to talk all at once to explain the moves. This after Katie Beth and Abby have been as quiet as mice since arriving from GA yesterday, following their cousin Rachael around the house. Maybe they are warming up to being here. It is, though, a wonderful sound - the giggling and chatter - all the cute things they say.
Not like the night our Lord was born in a stable, but there are similarities. Imagine all the travelers who had arrived in Bethlehem to be taxed at the command of Caesar. This multitude crowding the hamlet, filling every possible vacancy. Many were likely hungry, looking for sustenance, possibly lending to a mildly festive atmosphere despite the reason for their journey. There may have been some reunions, re-acquaintances with old family and friends, even making new friends. And there surely must have been the local Roman garrison there to ensure that the proceedings went smoothly. Into this "chaos" comes the Sovereign King of all order as a little baby.
His first coming was so that all prophecy would be fulfilled in him as fully man, subject to the same life that those be came to live among were accustomed to. And through every step he took, he was preparing for his purpose - to live in perfect submission to God the Father the life we were meant to live but failed at when Adam sinned, plunging us all into servitude to our sinful (because they are devoid of God's law) desires. And he came to die, offering himself up at the appointed time to suffer the humiliation and rejection of those whom he loved, and the wrath of God necessary to satisfy God's justice on our behalf, so we might have salvation, and eternal life through God's power of raising Jesus from the dead for all who believe.
It may not be a quiet night wherever you are, but into the quietness of your heart, where troubles offer only disquiet, despair, frustration, anger and fear, God comes asking to come in to show his mercy, by his grace, in his love to give you the peace of reconciliation to himself, freeing you to a new life in him, to his great glory.
I implore you to fully engage in this season of the church called Advent as we concentrate on the meaning of his first coming. As you do, continue to lift up God's church and those I have mentioned here before who would appreciate your prayers for their present circumstances. Please add to this list the mother of a dear friend. Dolores is to have a unique surgery that is risky from the proximity of blood vessels and nerves that act on the face and eyes. The surgery is to remove a mass that has begun to grow on her left temple and will be done on November 30. Please lift up Dolores and her husband who is concerned about this, but trusting God through it all.
And I pray for you, for increasing strength and peace as the holiday season approaches, and that you might experience Christ's coming with a renewed excitement and wonder.
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