Prepare
One thing I love about the Mandalorian is the phrase, “this is the way.” It is understood that his ways are not our ways. The Mandalorian does things differently. He lives by a code. As Christians, we are supposed to do the same. So during this celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior let us not forget the reason for the season. We are celebrating the giver not the gift. In our busyness, let us not forget to prepare Him room. Give God room in our hearts and minds. Give God the glory for surviving this year. Give God the glory for his mindfulness. He thought enough about us to send His only begotten son. Prepare Him room. Shout from every mountaintop. Joy to the world that Jesus Christ was born.
Pivot
If I could summarize 2020, it would be the year of the pivot. It is the year everything changed. It truly is a year of 20/20 vision. I’m sure many of us never expected to see the travesties or the triumphs we saw this year. This year showed us how to survive and how to thrive. For many of us, the budget was tight. For many of us, the patience ran thin. For many of us, the vices won. For many of us, peace of mind came in the form of binge watching shows we would have never otherwise entertained. Some relationships were tested and others failed. No matter how you come out, just make sure you come out. Pivot.
Toys
It’s that time of year. Parents are shopping for Christmas presents for their kids. Kids are making their wish list. Some are spending frivolously. Others are sacrificing to make it happen. Toys aren’t just child’s play. Adults are sleeping outside for that new PS5. In some cases, it’s like the pandemic never happened. Black Friday sales were online and in store. I almost have to wonder if we got the lesson. This was the year to focus on what we already have. This was the year to focus on the giver not the gift. This was the year to turn our toys into tools.
Uncomfortable
Change is not comfortable. Growth is not comfortable. Progress is not easy, but all of it is worth it. There are a lot of unknowns. There are a lot of questionable moments, but it’s worth it. To achieve your dreams, you must travel in unchartered waters. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will be better for it.
Glory
Glory noun 1.high renown or honor won by notable achievements. 2. magnificence or great beauty. verb 1. take great pride or pleasure in. The Hebrew word "kavod" which is used for glory in the Old Testament has the simple meaning of "heaviness" or "weight." It brings a new meaning to the phrase, "throw your weight around." What if you literally threw your glory around? Some people drop names and titles with the expectation of glory. What if we gave God glory like we give ourselves or others we respect and admire? What if we felt the weight of true glory? What if we gave honor where honor was due? What if we gave people their flowers while they were still alive? What if we valued things that didn't give carnal pleasure? What if we saw God in his true majesty and glory? What if we saw that same God and his glory in ourselves?
Tenth
I heard a sermon about ten lepers that were healed by Jesus, and only one came back to say thank you. In college, I was exposed to the concept of the “talented tenth” by W.E.B. Du Bois. Biblically, God requires a tithe equal to ten percent. There are ten commandments. There were ten plagues. Ten is often used to symbolize perfection, harmony, or creation. Its also a number of integration, discipline, laws and wholeness. I think ten represents gratitude. Only a tenth of the lepers were grateful. Only a tenth were chosen to lead. Only a tenth is required to sacrifice. Only a tenth of the plagues were immediately fatal. Most of us follow about a tenth of the commandments. Yet still, God continues to bless us despite what we do with our tenth. What are you doing with your tenth?
Sovereign
noun
a supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
adjective
possessing supreme or ultimate power
I know the election has taken up most of our time. We have been checking sites to see who the projected winner will be. Some of us have been stressed and even worried about the outcome and the expected fallout. I want to remind you that God is sovereign. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses. It doesn't matter how the nation responds. God is in control. I want to remind you that even if campaign promises aren't kept, God is a keeper. I wanted to remind you that if no cure is found, and no vaccine is manufactured…God is a healer. When our life and times seem to be on shaky ground, we have a firm foundation in Christ. Our God is sovereign.