Dec
18
2020
Believe
Posted in Christmas 4 Comments
I looked on top of my Hoosier cabinet.
I saw the blocks that I put there the day we decorated.
They are beneath the Merry Christmas sign.
They are next to the little fir tree on which hang the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments.
I put an old-fashioned Father Christmas next to the set of blocks.
Father Christmas always reminds me of Narnia, where it is always winter and never spring.
Never spring, until Aslan comes to make everything right.
Aslan who is on the move.
I read the word that the set of blocks spell.
BELIEVE.
Believe in what?
Believe in who?
It surely isn’t the gifts from the 12 days of Christmas, hanging on the tree.
I decided to do a little research.
What would the 12 Days of Christmas cost in 2020?
A partridge in a pear tree: $210.18
Two turtle doves: $450.00
Three french hens: $210.00
Four calling birds: $599.96
Five gold rings: $945.00
Six geese a-laying: $570.00
Seven swans a-swimming: $13,125.00
Eight maids a-milking: $58.00
Nine ladies dancing: Not available in 2020 because of Covid
Ten lords a-leaping: Not available in 2020 because of Covid
Eleven pipers piping: Not available in 2020 because of Covid
Twelve drummers drumming: Not available in 2020 because of Covid
The total cost would be: $105,561.80, which is down 38% from last year.
I looked at the list after I researched the cost of the items.
What struck me was that everything with no value in 2020 had to do with people.
What had value on the list were the animals and the gold rings.
The only people on the list with any value were the maids, who earned minimum wage while milking.
A set of blocks spelling a word with a vintage Father Christmas nearby.
Father Christmas who will make it spring again in Narnia.
BELIEVE.
Believe in what?
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5)
This is what we believe in.
Not a vintage Father Christmas, as C.S. Lewis wrote about him.
But Aslan who is on the move.
When Aslan is on the move, watch out!
Winter will be over; eternal spring will begin.
Tears will be a thing of the past.
Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more.
The Turkish Delights of this world will not be desirable to us.
Do you feel it in the air?
The 12 Days of Christmas gifts of 2020 may not value people, but God does.
God considers people first, because we are made in His image.
God made the animals, too, and declared them, good, but only people have His breath in them.
What do you believe in?
The Sovereignty of God even, or most especially, this year.
The God who is on the move, though the current situations seem to suggest otherwise.
The God who will right every wrong and redeem everything to His glory.
My set of blocks mean more to me this year.
Believe in the One who came down at Christmas.
Believe in the One who made Himself nothing.
Believe in the One who humbled Himself and took on flesh.
It is the greatest Story.
It is trustworthy and true.
One cannot be neutral.
What do you believe in?
I do not know how people can handle this difficult year without the Lord.
What do they believe in as they are shut in and locked down?
Themselves?
Government?
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Believe in the One on whose shoulders the government rests.
Believe in the One who came down.
Believe in the One who now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and me.
Believe in the One who makes everything new.
Unto us a Son is given
Unto us a Child is born
He will be our King forever
He will reign on David’s throne.
Wondrous Counselor, Mighty God
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace
Of His reign and of His kingdom
Never ending its increase.
Unto us a Son is given
Unto us a Child is born
He will be our King forever
He will reign on David’s throne.
In love the throne will be established
In faithfulness will we sit down
For our garments His salvation
Everlasting joy our crown.
He will be despised, rejected,
A Man of sorrows He will be
Cruelly pierced for our transgressions
Crushed for our iniquities.
But His wounds are for our healings
And His punishment our peace
He’ll bind up the brokenhearted
Grant the captives their release
Unto us a Son is given
Unto us a Child is born
He will be our King forever
He will reign on David’s throne.
He will reign on David’s throne
(Michael Card)
Whispers of His Movement will return, as God allows, on January 5, 2021.
Have a Blessed Christmas.
Thank you, Gina, for this lovely post and song. I also thank you for introducing me to Michael Card; I love his music. You both are fulfilling your callings to spread God’s word through your creative talents. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
Sue,
I am delighted that you love Michael Card’s music as much as I do. Thank you for your encouragement all through the year. Have a Blessed Christmas. The Story is true!
Gina
“It’s a Gina day”! was exclaimed this morning. It fills me with joy to hear Frank say this. Quiet times, shared with him are precious. Have a blessed Christmas Gina.
Nancy,
You cannot imagine how much joy those words bring me. I am so thrilled that Frank looks forward to the Whispers each week and that you can share that time together. Have a Blessed Christmas, Nancy.
Gina