DECEMBER 24, 2023

  “Life is a long lesson in humility.” 

― J.M. Barrie, The Little Minister

ZEPHANIAH

I will remove from you

your arrogant boasters.

Never again will you be haughty

on my holy hill.

12But I will leave within you

the meek and humble.

The remnant of Israel

will trust in the name of the Lord.(3:11-12)

REVELATION 15

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,

Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways,

King of the nations.^a

4Who will not fear you, Lord,

and bring glory to your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come

and worship before you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.”^b

JOURNAL 

Christmas Eve! Oh this day has been one of my favorites! When I was young it was so magical because of the anticipation of Christmas Day and all that it entailed. As a parent it continued to be magical because of the same anticipation in my children's hope and excitement. But the reality is that as the years pass I realize that the true joy is found because of family, friends and time spent together.  Of all the Christmas movies I watch every year the one that always without fail is A Christmas Carol...specifically the one with Patrick Stewart as Scrooge. It is a reminder that God is greater than our bitterness, our greed, our anger, frustration and problems. 

So what is all of this business about God's desire for us to to be humble and meek. What does that really mean exactly? I think humility and meekness does not mean weakness but rather honest strength. It is an awareness of reality. It is not being more than I am or not needing or desiring to be something I am not. 

When I am humble, I understand that I am simply one of 7 billion living human beings. Whose life span would be 100 years at best and who is one of billions and billions of people that have lived before me and if God willing billions that will come after me. 

Yet it is also being aware that I am unique in that I am the only one who lives my life in my way for this period of time. That is an amazing gift of which I am a recipient. I did not author my existence, I received it. Therefore I am to live humbly and meekly in honor of God the creator and all those beautiful souls that have left their mark on this world and all those that are to come. 

This is humbling and a great honor. No matter what the day may come, no matter the joys or heartaches...the gift is life and that gift is from God. So because of that fact...each day that I am alive is Christmas Day. I honor that gift by living in that awareness and the joy of God's gift and my own existence. 

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

JAMES 3:13