After this past week, month, year….I agree with whoever penned the words ‘Stop the world, I want to get off’. But that is not really a choice I, or any of us, have is it? We have to plow through… whatever. We live in a world gone mad. No seriously. Most of the happenings don’t even make sense anymore. Where are the wise men? I guess its true that there were only three of them and they are gone. So sad. Maybe that’s the reason we celebrate Christmas in honor of those last three wise men. I am sure you have heard the axiom ‘wise men still seek Him’. That for sure is true. Maybe if we looked really, really hard we could find some wise men and women with their Bibles cracked open and their knees bent in prayer and supplication. Men and women with a direct line to the Almighty interceding on behalf of the world. There is no arguing we need it.
The Best Excuse for a Holiday
In John 16, Jesus explains the way of things to the disciples and what is about to happen (and He is saying this for our benefit in the here and now) He concludes with “I am telling you these things that you may have peace. In this world you WILL have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (for you)”. There are many passages where it is explained how the world would evolve into madness but we do not have to succumb to the madness. We don’t have to be paralyzed by fear. We don’t have to lean unto our own understanding. He is never leaving us or forsaking us. He is here. Emmanuel. God with us. Oh right, that is why we celebrate Christmas.
I believe that God was and is all about the celebrations. He gave explicit instructions to His people how to commemorate everything that He ever did for them and He did a lot. He is a believer in celebration. This weekend we celebrate ‘Thanksgiving’. Thank goodness someone came up with this idea in a kinder, gentler era and we are still allowed to celebrate it. So, I, for one, am going to celebrate with flare. I always do. Give me an opportunity to celebrate and I’ll be there with duct tape and wire and push pins. I’ve got my table set and chicken thawing and my pumpkin pies bought (because Costco’s are the best). I’ll whip the cream. My pumpkins painted. Oh you didn’t know you were supposed to paint pumpkins?? Well orange is such a garish color and given my house is decorated in black, orange makes the place look like Halloween. Painted Pumpkins…it sounds like a rock group. I digress….
I have so much to be grateful for. Even if its just the fact that in a world full of chaos and fake news and insanity I hold the truth close to my heart. It is my compass. My true north. I can see evidence of God’s presence and power in everyday circumstances and things. I am so grateful He has opened my eyes to see. So grateful for my family gathered around me…literally. Grateful for health and wealth. And we are wealthy in all the ways. We have amazing friends. Friends that would help us bury the body (to coin a new description for true blues). We have shelter and safety (well as safe as one can be these days). I would not have a problem finding three things to be grateful for each and every day, which is supposed to be an excellent way to have a better life BTW.
So I will celebrate the holiday of ‘Thanksgiving’ with enthusiasm and joy and freedom for as long as is possible. No one can stop me from celebrating Thanksgiving in my heart all the time. Its a great excuse for a holiday.
The Red Plaid Apron 