Daily Jewel

by pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Dec. 22, 2011

Daily Ornament!
A Week of Peace: Thursday, Day Twenty-Six of Advent

“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—He remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.” – Psalm 146:5-10

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:57-66
“Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, ‘What then is this child going to be?’ For the Lord’s hand was with him.” – Luke 1:64-66,br />
From today’s Lesson in “Illuminate.”
“John’s birth is a sign to us that the coming of the Lord is close at hand. John points us to the One who will bring the peace of God. John’s character is the embodiment of Advent because he is prepared by God to be a witness who prepares people to receive the Light of the world. Let us embrace John’s birth story and recognize our role as a people who call out: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” (pg. 71)
I have stated on a number of occasions—there are certain individuals that have a way of expressing themselves that reaches into my soul and embraces it with a holy knowledge. One of those individuals is a former professor of mine and a man I call a dear friend, Dr. Tom Barnard. The following is an article of his that I believe epitomizes the message for today. It is entitled, “A Lasting Christmas.”
We have a tradition at our house. We love Christmas so much that we keep some decorations up all year long. Last year Madelyn decided to keep up all year long a decorated tree in our entry-hall. It is out of everyone’s way—in a corner where the wide stairway to the second floor takes a left turn and provides a tall, narrow “nook” between the stairs and the entry-hall closet door. On this tree are dozens of “Christopher Radko” ornaments—those lovely, hand-painted blown glass ornaments like those that used to be imported from Europe and China prior to World War II. Only these are really special. They vary in size—large and small, tall and fat, round and square, shaped like trees and houses and Santas and candy canes and stars and trains and cars and snowmen and angels and wrapped presents. The colors are fantastic. On each box that contains a new ornament is a notice: “Fragile glass. Not a toy.” Radko ornaments are made in Poland, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. They are not cheap. On the wall just to the left of the closet door is a large green wreath covered with—you guessed it—more Radko ornaments. (I learned many years ago never to ask about the cost of the ornaments that grace our trees.) Yes, trees. As in more than one. Some years my wife has decorated a dozen trees for Christmas—in our home. But this year she decided to keep the tree and the wreath in the entry hall decorated all year long.
Guests visiting us in the spring, summer, or fall were treated to Christmas whenever they stepped into our home. Someone once asked, “Does all of this Christmas ever get old?” Not really. It is a reminder of the First Christmas, and the Gift of a Child that changed the world forever. Does that story ever get old?
The Advent Season is in full swing. It will be over in just a few days. Eventually the Advent Candles at church will be put away, along with the greens that grace the windows and walls of the sanctuary and the beautiful Christmas trees that are positioned on the church platform. The world will say it’s time to move on to New Years Eve. Christmas will be over. But not at our house.
The first Advent changed the world. It started with two families who received word from an Angel—and they were never the same. It was with them all the time!
Why not let the same be said for us? Why make it just for a few days? Be a living ornament for people to see and wonder of the Goodness of God!
Pastor J. T. Carnell