Once again we embark on the season we call the Holidays , Holy Days… Happy Holidays, Season Greetings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa… did I miss anything? I have to admit that this is not my most favorite time of the year. First of all, the weather moves into more wintry things like rain, snow and lower temperatures. My husband calls me a “palm tree” for good reason, anything below 82° seems somewhat shivery to me. Please don’t laugh, it is just the way it is for my warm weather loving body.
This time of the year is supposed to be a time for enjoying family, being grateful and celebrating the Birth of Christ, God’s goodness and other events that many cultures define as time of gratitude and love. However, there is something wrong in “River City”. We have all been to family gatherings that have been everywhere from mildly dysfunctional to outright chaotic and the stress level for keeping up with the extra activities, performances, present giving, extra meal planning—and eating--- all take a toll on the “peace within”. The health of our bodies, our minds and our souls seem to be more depleted than shored up. So, what can be done?
First, take a breath. Next, I highly recommend this wonderful new book written by a friend of mine, Melissa Zaldivar. The title: Kingdom Come, Finding Holy in the Here and Now. The title itself tells much of the story and it is just in time for pre-Holy Day reading. During these seasons of celebration and stress we need perspective. Perspective of why we are celebrating in the first place. From the first chapter forward, Melissa’s refreshing voice reminds us that we are created to be cherished and to cherish each other. Our status in God’s Kingdom changes everything. We are beloved “subjects, not objects.” Even in the chaos of competing “kingdoms” (like families, organizations, warring countries and the like) God is still in charge and He is always available to BE PRESENT with us.
This passionate author reminds us that what we clamor for the most is to belong, to be known and to be loved. “We crave acceptance. We ache for belonging. We desire nearness. We long for closeness”, she reminds us…and we try to get these all filled up in all the wrong places. Instead, she cheers us on, God is near and He loves us. I just learned about the word, “chesed” This word is translated as, “Lovingkindness”in both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. It is a rich description of how God has always loved. This is the kind of love that even though you broke your mom’s new expensive lamp, or crunched the bumper of your Dad’s new Toyota Tundra, or gossiped about a friend, --or any way we so often mess up-- you are still welcomed back with love and restored to relationship. So before we buy all the presents, check off all the lists, get stressed about sending cards out-- or not-- let’s remember that we celebrate the birth of the Baby. The Baby who was “surrounded by livestock” who “arrives with quiet strength, a King in a manger. A helpless child who relies on his parents for survival will be their salvation [and ours]. The Word of God becomes flesh and He is called Emmanuel—God with us.” (Kingdom Come, Finding Holy in the Here and Now, pg.27)
Presence first, then presents out of a heart to love……Well, I do not want to give the whole thing away, but I encourage you to put this book on your present list. A present for yourself and the others around you.
I will leave you with a final teaser from the end of the second chapter, The Goodness of Nearness:
So, how do we start to understand the Presence of God? One day at a time, my friend. In the same way that you typically don’t get married on a first date, you have to start small to become near with God. Take a step forward. Turn off you phone. Open the Word of God and see for yourself why His Presence is big deal. Pay attention to how Jesus responds to people. Notice the ways that God calls His people to Himself. See the bigger narrative of the Presence of God and start to understand the He is moving all things so that you might feel your way toward Him. Keep in mind that in His unrelenting chesed—lovingkindness—He wants you close.
Oh, that you might hear His voice, beckoning you like a child. Calling out. ‘Get over here!’” and I would add, the kind of “Get over here” that has a twinkle in your eye , a warm chuckle in your tummy., kneeling on one knee and arms open wide!
May the Lord bless you and your families as you enjoy chesed in the Holy Days to come!