From the month-long anticipation of – is it here yet? – our Christmas celebration is already over. The wrapping paper is out with the boxes waiting for pickup. It is hard to believe after all the expectation that Christmas Day came and went so quickly, isn’t it?
In the days leading up to Christmas members of our church who can carry a tune joined in caroling to our shut-ins and to those living in nearby assisted living by sharing a musical celebration of Jesus’ birth.
As usual our church choir sang a lovely Cantata. This year they were joined by the teens serving as TV reporters stationed in Bethlehem following up on the crowds, Joseph and Mary’s dilemma, and the shepherds coming to town telling of the visit of the heavenly choir.
Meanwhile, I was joyfully anticipating Christmas dinner from the very moment I started planning what we would be serving to our guests and looking forward to the lively chatter and fellowship around our table.
But, now it is all over. So what’s next?
Isn’t that how we often look at life? We sometimes pass through the here and now so quickly that we are always looking longingly for what’s next.
Did I enjoy every bit of the month-long church celebration, the singing, the meal and conversation with our friends on Christmas? Of course I did, but it was over all too soon as Christmas Day turned into evening.
What is next is a cold, dark January if we missed grasping the whole truth of the Christmas story. If we got it, if we know our God is great, if we know Jesus died to save us, then January will be oh so much brighter because we can anticipate what our loving Father has in store for us in 2024.
Based on my own life, too often I look back and relive pleasurable events or possibly more often I consider my regrets and all the while I’m trying to get the future figured out and squared away, so I am missing the present. The present is what God is doing all around me right this moment and where He wants me to work for Him. Maybe you can empathize with me.
When my husband, Neil, and I had our careers we found some employment much more fulfilling than others. Even when our work seemed to be less than ideal, we had to trust God’s direction for our lives rather than pining for some future date when He might bless us with a better position. Although the present was not as pleasant as we might have desired we trusted that God had placed us where He needed us.
I believe trust in God’s plan may be what is absent in those of us who fear we are missing out on some vague promise of what we thought our life should look like. If we believe that all of the decisions for our future, our career and our life falls upon our own shoulders we are missing one of the wonderful truths in life – God cares for and about us. He wants to have a prominent place in our heart. He wishes to give us the beautiful life He planned for us before we were born – if we are willing to take it.
Paul tells us in Romans, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When we decide to give our lives to Jesus He willingly leads us along the pathways we should be traveling. Personally I have found this much more fulfilling than when I was trying to run my life without the direction of God. He created my skills and He knows where they are best used.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We are told that God desires for us His best. We may not always see it that way but if we believe that God is God and we are patient we then will recognize in His actions His great love for us.
One of my favorite stories is about a rich ruler coming to Jesus and asking what is necessary to inherit eternal life. The Bible tells us, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Even though Jesus knew this rich man would not accept Jesus’ answer or follow Him, He still loved him. If that rich ruler had looked into Jesus’ eyes he could have seen and known God’s pure love.
I am resolving to go into 2024 remembering, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Won’t you join me?
ED. NOTE: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
