What for many years was an unpleasant task, last year I determined would be an opportunity for reflection and observations and so I did that again this time. The dismantling of the Christmas décor would take on a new meaning.
I threw away the brittle branches of the Costco wreath and made a note of where I stored the S hook used to hang it so that I wouldn’t be on a hunt for it this coming November. Carefully I wrapped the tree ornaments and boxed up the angels, the lights, and the cheap ceramic figurines of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. I paused on those three remembering what a find they were on the clearance shelf at Rite Aid nearly ten years ago now. As it turns out, they’re my most treasured pieces because of what and whom they represent.
With each move, I reflected on all the landmark events that took place in 2024. The highs and the lows and believe me the pendulum had a big swing last year. I wondered what would come in 2025 and quickly rested in the knowing that God was in control of my life. Whatever, come what may, even the greatest of losses I would experience the reality of resting in my faith. The instability of every certain thing becomes certain “in Christ.” Oh, what a wonder He provides in that invisible life. What is unseen is more real than anything seen. For the believer, there is an elevated purpose – a lifting from the miry clay. What a contrast in living that is offered compared to those who walk alone in their own wisdom, yanked and tossed, to and fro with every wind of doctrine, philosophy, and observation, and locked in a tomb of their own makings. “In Christ” you step out of the weight of gravity and into the sphere of blessing, honor, and glory, and into the power plant of grace. All this and heaven too. Imagine walking into that eternal world! Talk about freedom! Only the best for those “in Christ.” I wept at the thought.
Through the tears that seared through my burning heart, I gave room to grieve the passing of my beloved Dad and welcomed the emotion as it shared space with the joy of Christ. There was and is room for both. And through the sorrow, I can say with complete confidence that this is a promise for me, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
The instability of every certain thing becomes certain “in Christ.” Welcome, 2025.