Holidays. Family plans. Thoughts of giving and sharing—overwhelm. Memories. The good, and the bad—stir up at times, a storm.
Christmas lights and music. Christmas movies and food. Along-side of family needs, and neighbors’ crisis, and attacks of the enemy. We are tempted to break down like a blown fuse.
Light vanishes. Darkness makes its move. Feelings and tired nerves leave heavy judgments to dis-prove. Busy-ness and time crunches cloud up our Holiday mood.
Then a song comes from no-where. A song to turn my head. I see the words and I read them. As if, God says, “Think on this, instead:
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.'”
Oh, how the Lord loves us. He is a present help in times of need. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are active and alive. God again and again, saves me, He saves us from life’s oppression.
He saves me from my self. From my doubt. He lifts my head to see. He uses words of old hymns and familiar melody. Somehow, it’s a mystery. God transforms me. O let the hymnal sing:
“O soul are you weary and troubled. No light in the darkness to see. There’s a light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free”
“Thro’ death into life everlasting, He passed and we follow Him there. Over us sin no more hath dominion. For more than conquerors we are!”
It’s as if a wave of hope comes upon me. Everything inside begins to breathe. Words and music, and new songs begin to flow. God’s Holy Spirit directs my heart to sing. Time and time again:
“Fall on your knees, O hear, the angel voices, O night divine, O night , when Christ was born. O night divine, O night . . . when Christ was born.”
It is night for so many. It is a time of great dismay. But, Christ is born. Right here, right now! He is come to be our help this day.
“His word shall not fail you, He’s promised.
Believe Him and all will be well.
And go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell.”
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,. . .
He’s the lifter of our head. He’s the light, the hope of heaven. He is our Immanuel.
Amen!