More Than an Interval

Emmanuel did not come to be with us simply to create an interval where we could catch our breath before returning to the ordinary. Majesty did not don the robes of humanity to give us a change of scenery, a break from the usual pace. No, He has come to interrupt our existence. He has come to restore what was lost. He has come to transform the familiar into mystery and wonder. He has come to make all things new. This sacred pause is a catapult into uncharted territory, where the Divine collides with your story and redirects your path. You have permission to begin again.  — from Why Shouldn’t I Begin Again, a blog post by Adela Just 

As securely as the bows and tinsel are packed away with the ribbons and lights, so, too, is the Christmas spirit, which was just recently merry and bright. Marked down and sold at discount prices, there are barely any reminders of the red, green, and gold decking the aisles of department stores. Treasured ornaments are tucked away in closets. Lights are dimmed and carefully wrapped before being cloistered away in some box marked fragile as all signs of Christmas are removed from our dwellings. 

Christmas is, after all, merely a short reprieve from life as usual.

But that is never the way God intended for Christmas to be. The birth of Glory among the souls of mankind was to be much more than a story read once and put away until the following year. Majesty did not don robes of humanity to simply come for a visit. Immanuel did not merely drop by for a short stay in the manger. He came to take up permanent residence within our lives.

To transform the fake and temporary with the authentic and eternal. For keeps.

The Light of the World has come to banish the darkness with the dawning of grace and truth. Much more than a string of lights brightening the boughs of an evergreen. He has come to make all things new. To breathe life into the barren and silent womb. To bring joy in the place of mourning and sadness. To give peace that nestles into the souls of men and never leaves.

He has come to be with us — right here in this mess of hurt and pain that we call humanity — and He plans to stay until all is made right.
Until you and I are made right.
No matter if we may think the task impossible.
After all, impossible is merely an invitation for the Holy to come and declare Himself as Lord of all. 
Lord of us.
Miracle-worker.
Soul-shaper.
Healer and Restorer.
Author and Finisher of lives.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (BSB)

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FOR REFLECTION

What will it require for you to invite Christ to collide with your story and redirect your path, to transform the pages of your heart and fill them with mystery and wonder? In short, what will it take for you to allow the Spirit of Christmas to come and remain so you can celebrate all year long?

Don’t let this season pass over you without breathing deeply into your soul and reviving your spirit. Let it collide with your story in the days and months ahead as you redirect your path to wander to manger entrance time and again. And be awestruck with the wonder of it all.

The gift of Jesus is a package meant to be opened every day of the year. The Light of the World has come to scatter the darkness. To reflect from your eyes and move through your hands.

Why not let Him?