Not Feeling Christmassy?

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but that’s nothing close to how you are feeling? The tree is decked, the décor and lights are up, Christmas music is playing in the background, but those are not enough to lift your mood? Or worse, you don’t even feel like decorating for Christmas? You see everyone being so excited and looking festive, but you just can’t join the merriment. Or, you just pretend to blend in? There could be many reasons why. May be, you are mourning the passing on of a loved one, caring for a sick family member, recovering from sickness yourself, trying to keep up with a Christmas to-do list, or just dealing with the chaos and busyness of life in general.

If that describes you, you are in good company! Guess what? The very first Christmas wasn’t very jolly either. While young Mary and Joseph had just been processing the newly-bestowed, immense responsibility of becoming parents of the Messiah, Joseph had to take his very pregnant wife on a long journey to Bethlehem, far from home, well before the days of airplanes or trains. And, after arriving at their destination, they could find no guest room! They had to wrap their divine baby in cloths and place Him in a manger. No fancy clothes, not even a bed or a crib. That doesn’t sound very Christmassy, does it? No background music playing or no angels singing 'Gloria' as the young couple held newborn Jesus. Only a smelly stable and shepherds who had hurried to see the Savior. This was indeed a grand moment, as the Almighty became a baby, so He could open the doors of salvation to humankind. We would expect a path free of inconveniences for the King of Kings. Yet, He identified with us, even in His birth, and chose to live our kind of life.

So, that’s it? Nothing special about Christmas? Should we just return to the mundane and forget all about the celebration? No, wait! The angel announced to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) Yes, great joy! Because Jesus was born, you and I, who put our trust in Him, can have eternal life. We can enjoy joy and peace when we have a relationship with God. This kind of joy that comes from Him is deeper and long-lasting than the Christmas feeling that comes from lights and music. Even when don’t feel ‘Christmassy’ we can have Christ’s joy and peace. The kind that, I believe, Mary and Joseph had. Now, that’s so much better, because we can experience it even in the midst of the hardships of life, and all the time, not just every December.

On the other hand, if you are in a phase of dancing to Christmas music and enjoying everything about the celebration, go on! There is surely a time for festivities. Just remember the Christ of Christmas and enjoy this and every season.

The Best Time to Pray

 At times, when I listen to a sermon, I drift into resolution mode. Not on New Years’, no special occasion, and most often the preacher is not asking for a commitment, but I start thinking to myself, I need to spend more time in prayer and Bible reading. So, the sermon has really done what it is supposed to, hasn’t it? And then I also resolve to wake up early in the morning, so I can spend uninterrupted time in prayer and meditating on the Word of God. Some preachers even spell it out: early mornings are the best times to pray. Wake up early in the morning and spend a couple of hours praying. Woo! I love the idea. And here I am, all pumped up, ready to wake up at 5:30 the next morning. The night before, I set my alarm to 5:30, and I try to get to bed early, so I would get enough rest. Some days I succeed, other days, not so much. Even if I manage to get to bed on time, I am turning and tossing on the bed, because I am not used to sleeping at that hour. The alarm rings the next morning, and my body doesn’t quite like the idea of getting out of bed yet. I try again the next day, and the next, and then I give up. If I do manage to do some early mornings, I get distracted easily or doze off in prayer.

This cycle has repeated more times than I can count. I do pray, at least once a day, but my best times with God have not usually been in the wee hours of the day. Some days, I have been foolish enough to think, if I miss one morning, the next best time to come before God is the next morning. I am not denying the value of early morning quiet or an intentional time. As a stay-at-home mom, I know the demands of my day can easily pull my attention from one thing to another, before I realize I haven’t sat with God. So setting aside an intentional time is definitely valuable.

But, my view of prayer changes when I look at it as not a mere religious duty that I would either feel proud of fulfilling or feel guilty of missing. At some of my low moments, I have wondered if my entire relationship with the Lord hinges on my ability to wake up early in the morning. And then I remember His invitation is open, even to me, at any time of the day or night! "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Jesus clarifies (in v30) that He is referring to rest for our souls. And I think the 'heavy burden' mentioned here represents the man-made religious duties we so struggle to check off the list. Let me explain how I got that. When Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees at a different time, He says: "They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders." (Matthew 23:4). From the context of Matthew 23, it is clear that Jesus was talking about religious obligations that are imposed by religious leaders, not by God's Word.

Of course, prayer is not imposed by people, but a beautiful privilege God has opened up for all His people to talk to Him. In fact, Paul exhorts believers to pray continually (I Thess. 5:17)! But, when our good desire for an intentional time becomes a burden, prayer turns out to be a dull duty rather than a relationship-refresher. So when is the best time to pray? Morning? Evening? Late night? And my answer is, right now! Pray to him right now, as you are reading, as you are working, as you are convicted of that sin, as you realize you need His help. His ears are always open to our call. What a privilege!

Finally, a couple of practical tips for those of you like me, who have a hard time staying focussed while praying: I keep my eyes open while praying. Sounds contrary to what we've been told, but when I close my eyes, I find the chances are higher for my mind to stray elsewhere or even doze off. Another thing I have found helpful is writing down what I pray for. It is usually a list, but sometimes it could spin off to a poem of praise or a paragraph of prayer. What are some practical tips you would like to share? Please mention in the Comments section.

Towards Dependence

When I teach my children new skills, I intend for them to learn it and be able to do it themselves. When they were babies, I had to do every single thing for them, but as they grow older, my job as a parent is to teach them to do things independently. My 8-year old doesn't ask me for a cup of water every single time he is thirsty, my 6-year old doesn't ask for help to get dressed, and my 3-year old knows where to find his shoes. We appreciate this kind of independence, but this is not the way it works in our relationship with God.

Does God want us to be independent as we get confident in our new-found skills? I don't think so. As we take up that task we are not so confident in, those of us who know God would probably pray and ask for his help. But what happens as days go by? We probably get used to doing this task, we're getting better at it, and we don't have that same reliance on the Lord as we first did.

My kids and I are going through the part about the Israelites' journey through the Promised Land in our morning Bible time. As I narrate the Bible stories to my sons, I am amazed by the ability of this one man to lead the huge bunch of grumbling, complaning Israelites through an unpredictable wilderness. While it is no simple task to be a leader in any capacity, what stands out to me most at this time is Moses' dependence on God.

He seems to have mastered the habit of taking every situation to the Lord. Pharaoh's heart hardened? He called out to God. The Israelites grumbling against him? He cried out to God (Exodus 17:4). Feeling disappointed? He went to the Lord (Exodus 5:22). Did he have a request? He asked the Lord (Exodus 8:12). Faced by a problem? He took it to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). He even interceded on behalf of the very people who kept complaining against him (Exodus 32:11). What a great response! He didn't think of himself as a great and experienced leader, able to handle things himself. Instead, he recognized he was out there just doing what his Master has called him out to do. And Moses knew, the best way to do it is God's way.

As we experience more of the Lord, may we grow in our dependence on Him. Like Moses, let us go to Him in every situation -- joy, sorrow, fear, disappointment, shame, anger, embarassment, pain, guilt, everything! There is nothing He cannot handle. Yes, He loves to listen to us, and He is only a thought away.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

God, Look What I've Done For You!

Have you had moments when you thought God should be proud of you? May be when you made a great sacrifice to help another person. Or you took a stance for what was right. Perhaps you felt God’s delight for your diligence in obeying Him. King Solomon had at least one such moment. He had built something grand – a temple for God, like never before. It was an exciting time for the Israelites. God doesn’t have to dwell in a tent anymore; He would live among them in this magnificent building. At least that’s what Solomon thought. Standing before this great structure which God had chosen Solomon to build, He proclaimed, “I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever” (2 Chronicles 9:2). Perhaps he was thinking to himself, “You must be proud of me, God!”

Well, he didn’t dwell on that thought for too long. As his proclamation progressed, his attitude changed. This wise king knelt in front of all his subjects. He knew he was talking to the God of heaven. He even changed his mind about God living in the temple he built. “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!” (2 Chronicles 9:18)

Ah, how true! As we come before God and look at Him more, we discover that our best efforts don’t measure up to His greatness and majesty. May we say like John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

The Career Path of a King

David played many roles through his lifetime. He was King David, but that was not his first job. His job description changed all the way from leading sheep to leading the country. Not just any country. This nation Israel that God Himself formed. But, look at his career path. I find it very interesting.

"He also chose David His servant,And took him from the sheepfolds;
From following the ewes that had young He brought him,
To shepherd Jacob His people,
And Israel His inheritance.
So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands." (Psalm 78:70-72)

The first time we meet David in the Bible, he is a shepherd boy in his father's house. His father Jesse doesn't even bother to call him when the great prophet Samuel is at their house! In his family, he is simply "the youngest", but God sees something about his heart. God tells Samuel to anoint this good-looking young man as king. But, I wonder if David even knows what that anointing was for, at that point. (I Samuel 16:13) What I do know is that he was filled with the Holy Spirit. That's right, centuries before the day of Pentecost!

Soon, David gets his new title as Saul's armor bearer. Well on his way to becoming king, right? Though he is already known as a "man of war" (I Samuel 16:18), he isn't holding a sword yet, just a harp. He plays music for the king. Something powerful happens as he strums the strings. He doesn't only fill the king's bedroom with some good music, but evil spirits flee! He hasn't even given up his job as a shepherd yet. He continues to take care of his father's sheep, but they also have a keeper now.

The next time we meet David is a well-known episode when David kills Goliath with just a sling and a stone. David can't stand this huge Philistine man defying the Name of God. So, he steps in with the experience he gained from killing a lion to protect his sheep in the Name of God. After David defeats Goliath, his fame rises, and so does Saul's jealousy. David seems unaffected by his sudden fame, but Saul is so disturbed that he is ready to kill him.

Mainly because of Saul's jealousy, David becomes his enemy. The next season of his life mostly involves running from Saul to keep himself safe. This is not easy at all. David, along with his men, has to go through a number of different challenges just to keep themselves alive.

David had a promising career, we know. From shepherd to king is a great story. But, clearly, David did not pursue the throne. His eyes were not on kingship, but on the King of kings. If he had wanted to become a king (that was God's plan anyway, right?), he had the opportunity to do so. He could have easily killed Saul and proclaimed himself as king. He was a great warrior and a leader, but more than any of that, he was a man after God's own heart.

Even after Saul died, David genuinely mourned his death. The enemy who sought his life was dead, but David didn't rejoice at that, because he knew his life was in God's hands. By this time, even prophet Samuel who had anointed David as king years back had died. What chance remains of David becoming the king? Of course, the Lord's plans cannot be thwarted. After Saul's death, the men of Judah, and then the people of Israel anointed David as king. David seems to be a great example of waiting for God's perfect plans inspite of different circumstances and seasons.

May be you are in a season when you just do not know where you are headed. You know and believe that God has good plans for you, but you seem to be making no progress. Just remember, God hasn't forgotten! He is working on you, right now. Even when you already feel ready for the next step. Waiting is not easy, but "humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (I Peter 5:6)

A Baking Lesson

When I bake a cake, I usually let my three-year old son join in. He sits on a chair and I would place a bowl on the table in front of him. I let him hold the measuring cup, as we add the ingredients one by one into the bowl. When we are done, I give him a fork to mix them up. He mixes them together a few times. I know his tiny hands are not strong enough to whisk the entire batter. So, I appreciate his help and take it up from there. I use an electric blender, and when the batter is done, I pour them into pans and put them in the oven till they are done. Alright, this is not meant to be a post on "how to bake a cake"!

When the cake is ready to be eaten with the frosting (or icing) on it, John proudly tells his dad: "Mama and Johnny made the cake." Now, I could have done it all by myself, which would have been quicker and less messy. The focus is not on the cake that needs to get done, but we do it together because we both enjoy it, and in the process, he also acquires some skills. He learns to hold up the measuring cup steadily, and he learns how to bake a cake.

It makes me think that it is quite similar to how God lets us join in His Work. He does not need our help at all. In fact, it wouldn't take him long to appear to everyone in a dream and reveal Himself. Messy, disobedient and reluctant as we are, God entrusts His precious gospel to us, just because He loves us! Of course, God works in us in the process. When Jonah decided to disobey God, He could have easily chosen another prophet who would comply. He didn't do that! He patiently worked in Jonah till he obeyed. Something urgent had to be done, but I am so glad God isn't task-oriented.

There are still a lot of people around the world who have not yet heard the Good News. God is certainly more concerned about it that we are. But, He is also more interested in His relationship with individuals and in the process rather than getting 'it' done. So, He may not push a hesitant disciple into a mission field. Though we don't always understand, we just trust and believe that God is love and full of wisdom, and He knows exactly what is best.

Let us serve God in the attitude that we are doing His work, and not accomplishing something for Him. We can never please God with our best human efforts, just like my son's efforts to bake a cake by himself would be! But, when we choose to play a role in what He is already doing, He can use our little for His glory. "So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10)

The Lord's Prayer

The title perhaps reminds you of the prayer that begins "Our Father who art in heaven..." That is how Jesus taught His disciples to pray. But, that's not the prayer I am referring to here. This is a prayer that Jesus Himself prayed. What better way to learn about prayer than to listen to Jesus Himself pray?

We read about the prayer that Jesus prayed just before He was arrested and then crucified. He was very close to the culmination of His earthly mission. He knew He was about to bear the weight of all the sin on Himself. It was going to be an intense moment, when He would be deserted by dear friends, suffer physical pain, cry out in agony, and go through death. Just a little while before His arrest, here's what He prayed:

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39)

Based on a Relationship

Jesus prayed because He was in an intimate relationship with the Father - He and the Father are one. Jesus was having a conversation with the Father.

Sometimes, I am tempted to pray at God, rather than praying to Him. At times, it seems easier for me to ramble a few familiar sentences rather than take the time to look at God and have a conversation with Him. But He is more interested in relating to us than going through our list of petitions.

Honest Prayer

Jesus preferred that the cup (perhaps, the cup of suffering He was about to go through) be taken from Him. Of course, He knew that was the very reason He came down to earth. But He was honest in prayer about what He thought and felt.

One night, I was angry. I didn't even want to talk to my husband. And I didn't feel like praying. Well, who else do I talk to? After a few minutes, I broke the silence by talking to God. This is how I started: "Lord, I am angry, and I don't even feel like praying". I had actually started praying already! A few moments into that conversation with God, my anger just melted away and the Lord's sweet presence filled me with His love. Not that I had to inform God how I felt. He already knew. But God loves a sincere from-the-heart prayer (even if it is just a sigh) more than a lengthy and great sounding prayer that is only from the lips. (Luke 18:9-14)

Submission

After Jesus voiced His desire, He brought it under the subjection of the Father. He did not beg that He would somehow get His way through, but He prayed that the will of God would prevail. I think that is how every prayer should end - by yielding to Him who knows the best!

As we pray, may our desires align more with God's!