Greetings in the name of the “Light of the World” , Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! Another grey late autumn, almost winter, morning…but with a few snowflakes floating around. I trust that you are right on schedule with your Christmas preparations and that you are protecting your Christmas perspective. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to fortify your heart-mind-spirit as you move through this season.
First, did you know that there is a historical connection between Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and pawnbrokers? … did you know that this is the first day of Hannukah? … do you know what Hannukah is really about? …
I know that you won’t believe this but…I like music and songs – especially good lyrics – and I won’t make any apologies! Yesterday, I was listening to some – new to me Christmas cds: the Irish Rovers and the Munros ( bagpipe music ). I was reminded that God created the world through spoken word…and that the word “spoke” can also be translated – “sang”…imagine, God ‘sang’ the world into being. So there is creative power in music. In days gone by….long before internet, emails, text messaging, tweets, twits, and hashtags…communication of news and concerns was done by ‘minstrels’ who wandered the countryside ‘singing’ messages to the various communities.
Therefore it is natural that a ‘supernatural God’ would communicate to people through the medium of music and song lyrics. Yesterday, as I was processing the news stories that were revealing the “very bad” events that have been part of this week….and these are things we know about….God released a song in my spirit. Some of you know of the Swedish band, Abba…not the sort of band that you would expect God to use. Anyway, out of God’s blue, came the words of a song: “If you change your mind, I’m the first in line – Honey I’m still free – Take a chance on me – If you need me, let me know, gonna be around – If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down – If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown – Honey I’m still free – Take a chance on me – Gonna do my very best and it ain’t a lie – If you put me to the trust, if you let me try – Take a chance on me – That’s all I ask of you honey – Take a chance on me.” You may have to be open to God’s methodology but this is a song that I can hear Him singing to a world that He loves – no wonder He calls the world – “Honey”
Perhaps our Christmas message to people who are hurting and lost and trying to make sense of life, should be: Why not take a chance on God?” If you follow the song along there is an invitation to – dance, go walking, spend time together, listen to music, share conversation,get to know each other – and the song challenges us when it suggests that we are afraid of a love affair, a giving up of ourselves wholeheartedly. As the song continues there is a recurring theme – “I can’t let go” – “my love is strong enough” – “I’m in no hurry” – “I can’t get you off my mind”. I know all this could be a stretch for many of you…but God’s invitation has always been: will you take a chance on me?” – something to ponder today!
Be blessed!