Clay in the Hands

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, we read of preparations being made for Jesus’ coming to be born.  Accounts are offered in this passage of God sending angels as messengers to announce how all of this was to come about.

An angel appeared to Mary and told her she had been selected to bear the savior.  He explained that through the power of God, she would become pregnant and give birth to God’s son.

Now I don’t know about you but that might just be a little overwhelming for most of us to hear.  Not to mention the fact that an angel just appeared to give her the message.  I’m not sure how long I would have stuck around – or at least how long I would have remained conscious.

But the thing that amazes me even more about this account is Mary’s composure and response.  After a question or two, she simply says, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She completely submitted to what she was being told and offered herself as God’s servant.

I have to ask myself, would I have been that willing?  And honestly, the real question is – “Am I that willing?”

God has a plan for each of us.  God has given you specific talents, skills and passions to play a role in creation that only you can play.  How willing are you to say, “I am ready – may your plan be fulfilled in me today.”?

Mary showed great faith and courage.

May we do the same.

Today, I decided to do something a little different. It has been a while since I read much from the minor prophets.  So I turned to Habakkuk.  I read through his questions to God and the resulting answers God offered him.

I was moved by the prophets honesty and transparency before God.  I caused me to think about how the prophet felt and what he might have been enduring.  There are so many similarities between the environment in which the prophet lived and ours today.  There is so much injustice in the world.  Particularly, in our society, our priorities are so messed up that we don’t even see the true picture of what goes on daily in our own communities.

But God answered Habakkuk’s cries with this, “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Do you ever think we need God to do something in our days that completely blows our minds?  I think we are there!

I think it is fitting during this Advent season, as we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ coming to earth, that we lay our hearts before God, and join in with Habakkuk, asking God to move in a mighty way – not some day – now.

In Habakkuk 3, we are given a prayer that Habakkuk offered to God.  It begins, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.  Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

That is my prayer today.

This morning, we awoke to snow on the ground.  I immediately turned on the TV to check school closings and delays.  I also wanted to see what the roads were like in our region.  I was planning on attending a workshop in Plainview today which is over any hour drive on clear roads.

So I was interested to see what I should expect.  It became apparent rather quickly that the winter weather hit harder north of us than it did at home.  Before leaving the house, I called the gentleman responsible for the workshop today and he informed me that the event had been postponed for a week due to weather.

I have to admit, with all I need to get done today, I was a bit relieved.  So I headed to the office.  As I drove, I noticed a huge difference in the amount of traffic on the road.  Most people were still at home.  Schools are starting later than normal to try and alleviate some of the traffic that is typical around 8:00 am.  Some businesses decided to open later as well.

As I have reflected on this morning, I have had to smile a bit.  Isn’t it amusing that in a world so developed with technological advances in transportation, weather forecasting and the like, a little snow still alters our entire existence.

Maybe we aren’t all that after all?!

God is still on the throne – and like it or not – we aren’t!

Just a thought.

This morning I opened the garage door and as I was loading my computer in the car, I noticed that there was an amazing orange glow reflecting on the houses outside.  I knew it was going to be a glorious short commute this morning as I had the opportunity to watch the sun come up.  So I rushed back in to grab my coffee and tell everyone good-bye.

As I backed out of the garage and headed down the street, I was humbled by the sight of the sun beginning to peak over the horizon and the light reflect off the wispy, cotton-like clouds.  As I drove, I kept one eye on the road and one on the sunrise (well, maybe not literally).

It was a beautiful sight and I saw God at work in the scene.  As I reflected on this experience during my drive, it dawned on me that the sun comes up every day but it is not always as meaningful as it was today – the clouds, the visibility – all those things combined to make a fresh picture.  It happens everyday but it is fresh everyday.

Isn’t our Father like that?  A divine paradox.  God is unchanging but new every, single day!

Aren’t you glad?!

We have entered the Advent season.  The time of year that we anticipate and celebrate the coming of Jesus to earth.  There is so much to celebrate – so many facets of this season to think about.  Things like the peace that Jesus brings or the love that God showed in his incarnation.  I think of the hope that we have because of Jesus’ coming.  And even within this hope we find layers of meaning.

But one simple, little idea hit me today.  The idea is this:

Hope comes in knowing that I was worth the effort.

Let that sink in for a second.

Regardless of what you are going through today or where you find yourself.  Regardless of where you have been or what you have done.  God saw in you a reason to shed heaven and put on human skin in order to bring redemption, a meaningful life and salvation to you.  You are that important to Jesus!

That brings hope – Christmas hope!

Be blessed today.

Today has been deemed Cyber Monday.  As if it were not enough to have a day designated as Black Friday to set aside a day for shopping, now we have to have one for internet shopping as well.  We live in a world in which children die each day of malnutrition yet the earth produces enough food that no one should ever go hungry.  The problem is distribution and the answer to that problem is money.  But yet, we spend more and more each year at this time on things we really don’t need.  There is something wrong with this picture.  I wish I had the answer to the problem but I don’t.

I am not trying to be a scrooge.  I really love this time of year.  And yes, I will be spending money to buy gifts for my kids and family members.  It is as much a tradition as it is another way of showing each other we care.

My point is that maybe we need to take a step back this year and put more emphasis on the gift we have been given and we can pass on to others that money can’t buy.  The hope of the Christmas story.  In a world spinning out of control – hope is the answer.  Regardless of a person’s place in life – whether rich or poor, powerful or not – one thing unifies us all – we all need hope.

Remember the hope you have that is made possible by the Christmas event – – share that hope today.