This morning my thoughts turned to wondering …… When will our first Christmas card arrive in the mail? Who will send the first one? The very first one this year? One thing I know for sure is that our card will never be the first to arrive in any mailbox. No matter how well my intentions may be, I never seem to get them out early enough.
And then I found myself wondering …. What will be the most frequently used words in the cards this year?
“Peace on earth, good will to men.”
At the time of Jesus’ birth, these were the very words declared by the angels (found in Luke 2:14). They were referring to the fullness of blessing which the birth of our Savior would bring. Salvation. Well-being for His people. It was not just the absence of hostility or conflict.
Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.
Four centuries passed in which God was silent. Not a word. No prophecy given. The people had to be wondering, “Where is He?”. Yet the psalmist tells us, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4) Every minute He is awake and attentive to His people. His silence is not indicative of inactivity. There will be a day when He will right every wrong.
The Christmas bells will ring this year as they have every year since His birth. Here’s the thing …..
And with our hearts we’ll hear them.
There are truths we will only be able to hear with our hearts. Perhaps that is the reason Jesus prayed for our “hearing”: “Then Jesus said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:9). He knew our hearts and ears need to work in conjunction with one another.
Open up your heart and hear them.
May we open our hearts to Him. May we hear all that He is saying to us this Advent season.
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.” (Jeremiah 24:7).
*The words in bold can be found in the Christmas carol, “I Heard The Bells”. This is a revised post.
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Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Grace Moments and Heart Encouragement Thursday .
Joanne, this is a great reminder that God is always working, and if we aren’t careful to listen, we may miss the work He is doing. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!
OH, how I love Casting Crowns version of that carol. I’m getting goosebumps in anticipation, just reading your words.
Listening is so important, whether to the one hurting sitting across the table from me, or for the breath of God guiding me, reminding me, loving me. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of the importance of listening and actually hearing with our heart ears.
Beautiful, Joanne. May I pause to listen this season, and I appreciate your promptings here. His still small voice is one I want to hear loud and clear. Bless you, friend!