Gasping for Air at Christmas

I don’t know about you but I’m out of breath.

Gasping my way into the holidays and straggling across the finish line into the new year, I find myself in need of oxygen – a pure, unadulterated, unpolluted breath of heaven.

Sometimes I feel like the wheelbarrow in the poem my William Carlos Williams “So much depends upon a red wheel barrow . . .” I can get caught up in the battle so much so that my red cape gets wrapped the wrong way around my neck and I forget it takes air to keep me flying this high until I’m plummeting toward Metropolis. So busy trying to save the world, I forget that someone already did that.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 (ESV) In JESUS all things hold together.

I’m not the little boy with my finger in the dyke holding back the surge that strains against the barrier. I’m just a woman who follows God imperfectly in a fallen world. I’m one of those Christians who needs Jesus.

So today I’m turning off the news, the Internet, the radio, and the telephone. Today I’m going to work on my to-do list but at the same time, rest in what I know to be true. In Him all things hold together.

In the clamor of the season, I will listen to that whisper that says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9: 6-7 (ESV)

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Not my zeal. Not your zeal. It’s on Him. And thank God it is.

Today I’m going to reflect on the plan of God that centers on Jesus Christ – the unchangeable plan that no one will thwart. I’m going to reflect on His Word, His Word made flesh who dwelt among us and fill my lungs with the pure air that is breathed before the throne of God.

Who knows what is lies ahead in the New Year but before it arrives, I need a minute. So, I’m taking one. You should, too. I think we’re all going to need it in the times to come, loved ones. Today, inhale the pure oxygen of knowing that Jesus has us all in hand. Then, exhale and rest in Him.

Remember: The government will be on HIS shoulders – not yours.

Read: Isaiah 42, Isaiah 9, Colossians 1

Pray: Praise God today for His power, His strength, and His sovereignty over your life and over the world.