My title for this devotion is What Was vs What Is.
It is inescapable. In reality, it has been since before Halloween. What is that? Christmas is coming. Surely you’ve noticed the displays in the stores. Pretty soon we’ll see Uncle Sam in a sleigh pulled by 8 tiny rabbits. Sort of ridiculous if you ask me. (But no one has). Christmas decorations, trees, etc out before October is even over. It is definitely a reminder of our consumeristic society.
But it should also serve as a reminder of a greater truth: What was and what is.
The Christmas story is a story of what was vs what is. The story doesn’t start in a stable in Bethlehem. It actually starts in the Garden. Having known only the beauty of sweet fellowship with Adam and Eve, God came to the Garden wanting to meet with them as He always did. For the first time, Adam and Eve are hiding. The effects of sin-their sin- has already manifested itself. What was will never be again. What was sweet, pure and lovely will now forever be tainted with ugliness, mistrust, and a penchant for hiding from God. That bond what once was is forever broken. No longer do Adam and Eve long for and look forward to walking with God in the cool of the day. Now they hide. I hide. Sin has done its dirty work and has forever put a gap between me and God.
But that’s also why I celebrate Christmas. God has bridged that gap between us by His Son’s birth, death and resurrection. Praise God what was is not and does not last. Christmas is the celebration of God’s desire to have fellowship with me. With you. A tragedy is turned into a triumph. A forever broken relationship is mended by a Man- God’s Son. Born in a manger.
“Father, what was- perfect peace- will never be again. But what can be is a life with You. Thank you for Jesus- His birth, His death, and His resurrection.”
The Halloween candy displayed appeared in our local supermarket in August. By Oct. 1, Christmas decorations were showing up own a variety of stores. I keep telling myself that this isn’t what Christmas is about, no matter how much the culture wants to change my mind.
You have stamped my point Glynn but your attitude is the one we need to have. Must have.
I give my extended family a hard time about having decorations up before Thanksgiving. I tell them to give each Holiday its due…
I go as far as teasing that I won’t come over for Thanksgiving if I see Christmas decorations out.
In response to the important content of your post… what was vs what is… though rejection, hiding, and separation came, God provided an option… That is worth celebrating year round.
I can see you giving them grief my friend. 🙂 But you are spot on about the celebration worth having.
Perfectly said, Bill. Hallelujah!
Thank you Diane.
Yes, too early in my mind for the decorations, but never too early to keep the message of Christmas in our hearts all year round.
Blessings, Bill!
Amen, Bill. Excellent summary in preparation to the greatest celebration of the year and our lives.