Happy Christmas!

Now, as I start with the Second Church Season, you may be thinking to yourself: “Joe, this is so confusing. We’ve already celebrated Christmas. What are you going on about?” 

Well, you are correct: We did celebrate the Feast of the Nativity – literally Christ-mass. However, The Church keeps the celebration going for 12 days. Perhaps, you remember the old song? And, I plan to stretch it throughout the month of January. 

I think, especially considering all the noise around Christmas Day, that it’s important to pause. You and I can remember the grand importance of Christmas by spending the whole season with its mystery. If you would like a reminder of all the noise, check out last month’s reflection – here. [link]

The mystery of Christmas is too big for me, so I must break it down. The thing that stands out to me is God’s demonstration of going with us on our sanctification journeys. Yes, Christmas makes justification and sanctification possible in the first place. Sure, Christmas is the fulfillment of every promise in the Old Testament. Still, the simple reminder of Emmanuel captivated my thoughts this year. 

“God with us” is the key for overcoming the noise on our sanctification journeys. Traveling with God allows us to be aware of Him despite that noise.


From Ordinary Life

A recent family trip to the grocery store came to my mind as I reflected on God being with us. The grocery store is a place full of noise. Then, you throw in 2 children, and the store is positively loud. Jessica and I face the noise of completing the shopping, managing the kids, and navigating the aisles all on our own.   

This trip, we did something a little different: We paused to put Ruth in the cart, and I asked, “Can I do anything to help?” At that moment, Lynn rushes over to a display of impulse items. She calls out, “Papa, look at this.” So, Jessica shrugs with a “sure, watch her.” 

Jessica sets off to shop with Ruth while I stare at dollar decorations with Lynn. I follow Lynn all over the store through make-up, clothes, and toys. Yet, I keep an ear out for Ruth and pray the shelves aren’t totally picked over. Jessica and a quiet Ruth rejoin us with a full cart eventually. I trade questions and stories with Jessica all the way to the register. 

These questions and stories reveal a concern for each other. There’s a trust between us here, and if nothing else, we were certainly aware of each other. 

Sanctification Reflection 

Jessica and I’s awareness of each other is part of going with each other. A similar awareness is part of going with God on our sanctification journeys. 

Consider the faithful shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth. Here are a bunch of Jews awaiting the Messiah. But, they remain in their fields and face the conquest by yet another group of people, the Romans this time. Still, they waited with God; they remained aware of Him with trust that He would fulfill His promises. Then, on that first Christmas night, the sky fills with angels, who report that God is indeed with them. 

Likewise, Jessica and I waited for each other in the store with awareness and trust. We knew the other would come with groceries and a cared for child. In this way, my ordinary life reflects the lessons of Christmas in a way that I can understand. As a result, God confirms His reality to me. I can witness God in my ordinary life and grow toward my sanctification by being more with God. 

Story Time 

Now, I’d like to share a story. I pray God uses this tale to show you His reality of being with us. God is with us = a great mystery of our faith. It’s like a husband and wife working together to find a place on the road. Each has their own opinion, but they travel side by side regardless of what changes. They listen to each other for changes of direction. Follow the link to read the whole story.

Coming Soon: January’s Story