On Earth as it is in heaven

Happy New Year. I know New Year’s hits a little different. We are still dealing with the effects of last year’s trauma. Our glasses are definitely a little more than half empty. It’s ok. It’s going to be alright, and this too shall pass. It’s a little hard to believe. We are a bit shell shocked. God is faithful. If you don’t believe me, go look in the mirror. You survived. You made it when you didn’t think you would. You arrived even when the path wasn’t clear. You have scars, but they are evidence that you are healed. Pray these words with me, “on Earth as it is in heaven.” Breathe. Guess what? God made you from the dust of the Earth. You are made from that stuff you sweep out your homes and kick off your shoes. You are created from what you dismiss on a daily basis. Take a moment to marvel at God’s creation….you. Take a moment to recognize your connection to your creator. You have access. You have power. Decree and Declare. Speak life. Speak joy. Speak it in to existence, on Earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Thy will be done

It’s not on you. The consequences. The fix. The end result. It’s not on you. It's like magic. It’s like saying, “it wasn't me,” and everything is magically okay. It’s a supernatural release. The words alone immediately recognize ownership. It's your acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty. It’s your way of letting go and giving God control. It’s saying, “I know what I want, but God I trust you.” Thy will, not my will be done.

Thy kingdom come

One of the first prayers I learned was the Lord’s prayer. It is a template of how the disciples are supposed to pray. I’ve mouthed those words a thousand times without any extra thought or meaning about what I was really asking God to do in my life let alone the world. “Thy kingdom come" literally is a petition for God to reign. You are giving God permission to have his way in your life. You are giving God permission to set up residence in your life. You are asking God to make your world like heaven. Maybe that explains why there is so much turmoil. Light and darkness can’t exact in the same space. Peace and war are opposite extremes. Just remember the next time you pray these words what you are really praying. God let your kingdom come.

Present

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. So as you open your gifts remember to be present. Be present in each passing moment. Be present for your family. Be present for your friends. Be present today. Recognize the gifts you have been given. You are alive. You are well. You have food. You have shelter. You have your health. You are a gift from God. You are a present. So be one and be a blessing to others. Merry Christmas!

Peace

It's hard to imagine what peace really looks like in the midst of turmoil. Tis the season. We celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Christ came so that we ultimately could be reconciled back to God. Christ came to pay the price so our sins could be washed white as snow. So as we listen to Christmas carols and sing about silent nights, let us be reminded that God is our peace on Earth. Peace be with you!

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.

Prayer

I looked up the definition of prayer. The words “deliberate communucation" resonated with me. I was raised to say the Lord’s prayer on my knees before I went to bed. We prayed at the altar at church. Prayer was an action verb. As I grew in my faith, I began to understand that prayer was personal communication with God. So, that could be me talking to God in the shower, while I’m driving, before a test, and even those small quiet whispers in moments of immediate need. What does prayer look like to you? Whether you burn an incense, chime a bell, bow to the East or lift up your head to heavens….commune with God. Talk to God the way you would your best friend. Express your disappointment. Express your fears. Express your gratitude. I promise you God hears your heart, and God hears your prayers.