In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and “many-ness,” he will rest satisfied.
To combat Satan, the Anglican divine Jeremy Taylor declares, “Meditation is the duty of all.”
In meditation, we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart. Additionally, we are growing into what Thomas à Kempis calls “a familiar friendship with Jesus.”
In our day Lutheran martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, when asked why he meditated, replied, “Because I am a Christian.”
Click here to learn more about the Spiritual Discipline of Meditation
Ten years ago, we created a family mission statement (see this post for more), highlighting the importance of Faith, Family, and Fun. For Family, we specifically noted how extended family relationships are important to us. In fact, since Jennifer and I married 25 years ago, we start each year planning visits to see our family.
This Christmas was no different, as we planned a trip to Dallas to celebrate Evan’s graduation (Katy’s husband of 5 months) as a Mechanical Engineer from the University of Texas at Dallas. My parents met us the next day at my brother’s house, where we celebrated an early Christmas with extended family—including my cousin with his wife and four year-old daughter.
Then, we headed to Lamesa to celebrate Christmas with Jennifer’s Mom. First Baptist Church in Lamesa gave the manger scene in memory of Jennifer’s father and uncle, who were both pillars of the church. It was a special time to be there.
Pastor Jim Medley gave the devotional at the Christmas Eve service, noting three reasons Jesus came in human form…to:
Erase misconceptions about God
Express the love of God (how deep, far, and wide His love for us is)
Enable a relationship with God (we are friends of God through Jesus Christ)
For Christmas, my parents gave Jennifer and me a copy of Max Lucado’s Because of Bethlehem; and I was able to read it in Lamesa.
Click here for a summary of Max Lucado’s Because of Bethlehem
