Season Of Giving 2015, Week One

Gifts, for each day of the Season of Giving, Christmas-time.

Season of Giving, Gift #1 is a pipe dream, but I can dream: "Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight"...  Peace and goodwill to all men (and women).

Season of Giving, Gift #2 is complicated, but in a twisted way it is reassuring as well. As is Joshua 5:14: "[Joshua asks] 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' 'Neither' he replied. 'But as commander of the army of the Lord I have come.' "

Joshua 5's "I have come"

     "I HAVE COME" is today's gift. In good times and in bad. To experience "I have come," not to help defeat for us others nor to fear His presence, but to stand beside us. To be with us. That we may have life and "...have it to the full" (John 10:10) even during times of shaking.
     Actually, it is a good thing the commander doesn't literally attack. For, many times, emotions are our "enemies." The self-promoting, blinding and lethal kind that so cleverly masquerade and justify themselves.
     In other words. Psych. But for the mercy and grace of God, it is I the commander would destroy.

Season of Giving, Gift #3
I awoke this morning from one of those dreadful dreams. I entered a fast-food restaurant and realized that from the waist up I was naked. I crossed my arms and quickly turned to calmly walk out of the establishment (hoping that no one had seen me), hearing workers at the counter say, "Sorry, ma'm, but we can't serve...." I was exposed, pointed out, and rejected.
     The Season of Giving Gift #3 is: ♫I'm dreaming of a BRIGHT Christmas♫ for all... bright starts, futures, eyes, ideas, stars in the sky, opportunities, and of course bright twinkle lights.

Season of Giving, Gift #4 The Season of Giving Gift #4 is a desire for truth and justice, and safety, too. For every Chicago and Ferguson and San Bernardino police man, and for law-breakers, it's true.
     Solid, anchoring Truth can be found through reading God’s Word, but the truth I speak of needs specific proof and a twist of fate.
     I am reminded of a popular, late-1960’s television drama series. The premiere episode opens… “Name: Richard Kimble. Profession: Doctor of Medicine. Destination: Death Row, state prison. Richard Kimble has been tried and convicted for the murder of his wife. But laws are made by men, carried out by men, and men are imperfect. Richard Kimble is innocent... Richard Kimble ponders his fate as he looks at the world for the last time, and sees only darkness. But in that darkness, fate moves its huge hand.”
     To provide truth, justice, and safety for all, some people need grace + Truth + truth + time (and Netflix Fugitive).

Season of Giving, Gift #5 
The Season of Giving Gift #5 is music. This isn't a traditional Christmas song, but certainly could be. What a voice. What a song. Enjoy Carrie Underwood's rendition of:  ♫ How Great Thou Art  ♫

Season of Giving, Gift #6
I'm a sucker for Frozen's Olaf, White Christmas, big red ball gowns, snowfalls, and the accordion. Mix those with communicating God's gift of love, and I give the James River Church Christmas presentation 5 stars tonight. Early Season of Giving, Gift #6:  Love

Season of Giving, Gift #7
The Season of Giving Gift #7 is pure joy: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3).