I went to church twice over Christmas. The
services were well attended, the feeling warm, the music uplifting and the
messages were fresh presentations of the old old story. And then to a day of
indulgence. The pleasure of family, watching the excitement of my grandsons
opening presents, enjoying lovingingly prepared meals and an afternoon doze.
My brother also went to church. He is a
missionary in Jos Nigeria. It was his first Christmas since his wife died on
missionary service earlier this year. He probably started his day with no
electricity and having to draw water from a well in his house. As he sat in
church there was a bomb blast nearby: they heard it and felt a blast wave. The service continued, rejoicing in the
covenant faithfulness of God, praying for those who sought to harm them and
seeking God’s peace on the city.
My brother’s Christmas gives a reminder of
mortality and eternity. So much of what most us do from day to day is trivial
against these horizons. Oh for grace to enjoy the trivial pursuits and enjoy
life under the sun, but always for wisdom to see and live under the eternity
that God puts in the heart of humanity.
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