December 26
2016
The day after……
Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel.
So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.
Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law…..
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground…….
So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Boxing Day has arrived
Like a thief in the night
We waited so long for the day
And it came and slipped by so quickly
And now we are left with the leftovers
A disheveled day
Lights that don’t shine as clear and brightly
Gift wrap everywhere
Evidence of the family gathering that was and has passed
Leaving behind memories
And a satisfaction and contentment that doesn’t quite satisfy
And a contentment edged with a void that we don’t understand.
But God!
Because when you have celebrated for all the right reasons
Because when you have invited the baby Jesus into the midst of your celebrations
Because when Christmas day is about even more than joy, love and peace, family and friends, food and gifts
Because when you have understood that this baby is the sacrificial lamb
Because when you have acknowledged that Christmas is never complete until we look at it while looking forward to Easter
Then, the day after,
Although still a bit disheveled
With some regret that the time passed so quickly
Then, the day after,
Still has a shiny feel to it
And the satisfaction and contentment
Does satisfy
And is edged, not with a void, but with hope.
As I took the day to quiet myself in the Presence of the Lord today
He brought Nehemiah to mind.
The people, after the walls of the city were completed,
Gathered together
And the Word of the Lord was read
And contemplated.
And the people wept in conviction.
And Nehemiah instructed them:
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
It was the Word I needed today
A Word that reminded me of the importance of being in the Word
Of allowing the Word to strengthen and direct
A reminder of where JOY comes from
A reminder of my strength!
Today, after the toil of the last few weeksAfter the high of the holiday
Today, when things are a bit disheveled
Take time to sit with the Lord
Take time to listen to His voice, His Word
For you……..
He will give you what you need
He will give you Words of Hope and direction.
And the day after
Although still the day after
And still a bit disheveled
Will shine a bit more brightly
And the regret of how quickly it all passed
Will turn to joy
As we look ahead at what He has in store for us.
