Agnus Dei

Lamb of God
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world
Who takes away the sin of the world,
Have mercy, have mercy on us
Have mercy, have mercy on us
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world
Who takes away the sin of the world,
Grant us, grant us peace

 

These are the words to my friend Lee Younger’s song in preparation for Good Friday – Today.

Today.  Changed everything. Today.  A new life is offered.  Life for all life…..all life forever – life forever received because of the life given on this day – the life of Christ. For me.  For you.  In order that, because of the great love story of Jesus Christ – I could no longer have to look upon my sin; my sin condition. God, now seeing Christ in my stead, because “God made Him who knew no sin to become sin” – on my behalf. He did it for me.  He did it for you.  He did it!

Wyatt my 4 year old son (today): “Daddy, were you sad when Jesus died on the cross?”

Where you sad?  How did you feel….when you first heard?  When you began to wonder about what it really meant that Jesus had almighty character and presence and piercing eyes while on the cross and gave up his life to become our sin condition and then…..then….3 Jewish days later….His tomb was empty. God had fully communicated His infinite love in His humility and ultimate love sacrifice for us. All of the mess forever and ever was placed upon Jesus in order that we….that you and I might consider this miracle of miracles and this awesome ridiculous feat of conquering death! Jesus beat death….

Well, that’s this Sunday…..let’s still soak in Good Friday.  Let’s soak in the death of Christ. Soak in His passion. Soak in His love.  Soak in His struggles and His decision to give up His life for you and me! He volunteered Himself to die in my place. That I would not have to – Christ did. Christ died. This day. 

Jesus, I am yours.  I needed Good Friday – I may have never known.  I may have never began the process of wonder and understanding. Give me deeper intimacy w/you, Lord. I need you.  I need Good Friday. I need your cleansing.

Thanks be to Him.  This day changed the trajectory of the world forever. This day – Good Friday.

The Lamb of God.  My Passover Lamb.

Blessings.

-ao

Slowness – reminder of Holiness?

So, it’s been slow lately. I’ve been sick. My wife has been sick. Both of our little boys have been sick.  You….you been sick?  Probably…uughh!  We have seen it everywhere we turn. Can’t shake it.  There is no fun in being sick….I used to say if sickness was a person I’d like to mess ‘em up a bit and spit on their face. It’s true. I don’t like to be sick.  So, now…..what do I do in its midst?

In reading a friend of mine’s Lenten devotional I have been reminded of when he was very ill and still wrote in his book to finish the “book” that I now get to read! He didn’t feel well. He wanted to mess up the sickness that entered his body…yet he remained true to his focus.  So, I question things….I question what the Lord is up to in my life..in my heart…in my sickness – Jesus, Holy Spirit…Father God – what are you up to?  What are you doing IN me? 

I’m sick.  I have been forced “down” to be not well and slow down! Slow down? yes…slow down and just “be”.  Somehow, as I am coming out of this mess of not feeling well and wondering why we are the way we are right now – it has occurred..that the Lord just might be up to something.  Something within me…something inside my heart..something in my marriage and in my home – slowness.  A renewed rhythm in my midst….something my heart has truly desired all along. In speaking with a friend today he said, “you know….to be honest I just don’t know how you do it all – you are meeting yourself coming and going…all of the time!!”

I looked at him and said, “thank you”.  As I was inferring to him a bit of a “thanks” for calling my bluff and calling me out –I cannot continue the facade of “making it” when I am feeling as though I am failing so often at home.  It is this realization that I must move slower.  What I’m saying is…my pace. My rhythm. My daily walk with the Lord. My stance with those around me. It all must move at a rhyme that makes sense and stands the tests that I need to endure…tests of sickness and the likes. You see, as I have been miserable and wondering about my family’s health lately – I have been able to step back a bit…to see that I have been home. I have been playing w/our boys. I have laughed at TV shows with Olivia. I have been with Jesus. I have eaten meals at home.  What’s the norm – this temptation to do all of those….yet be present elsewhere! It is a shame…..but this week – my illness….my reminders of Jesus making his way to the Cross…Good Friday nearing….finishing Buddy’s book, praying to God, getting well after being ill, playing with my family, seeing the sunshine outside – it’s all a reminder of God’s love . It is a reminder that His spirit is revealing more and more of himself within me and to me.

Holiness.  This week, for me, is about my self examination coming to the surface and recognizing the Holiness of Christ and his Holy sacrifice out of love and his Godness in all He did, does, and IS.  He is Holy.  I am Holy because of Him.  I believe. I belong. I am moving slower – and I like it.

Rhythm. 

Jesus.

Roman guard-in-me.

Holy Spirit.

Holiness from His death and His resurrection.

I belong, dear Lord. Thank you.

Blessings.

-ao

My friends – A prayer softball

I have been a Young Life leader since 1997.  I have met quite a few high schoolers from LCHS.  I have had the privilege of being a lot of guys’ leader. It has simply been a fun gig…a bit of life on life….life coaching, and talking about things that matter the most. It has been a lot of tackling issues in their lives and listening to them pour out their hearts as I do my best to point them to the source of life, hope and love – Jesus Christ.

Sometimes it sinks in.  Christ. A relationship with Him….and a life-long relationship with them (and myself). It sinks in that we are connected….connected in Christ and / or connected in our friendship. I tell my high school friends that I am like a coach to them….that once someone is your “Coach” they will, more than likely, always be “Coach” to them. So, like a coach…I am always going to be (your) YL Leader I say.

There are two kids in particular (not really “kids” anymore) that I have felt like the Lord has given me long term access and accessibility to and from them.  Aaron and John.  Their lives are wild. Their lives have had incredible twists and turns. Somehow, I keep running into them. They keep calling. I keep thinking of them. They keep showing up. Life keeps getting in the way and messes happen.  Just last week my phone read in a text message, “I’m in trouble…I need help!” and then tonight….I see my other friend.  Wyatt asked me, “Daddy, is he your friend?” –“yes, son, he sure is Daddy’s friend…I have been able to be his Young Life leader and we have talked about Jesus…”

These two guys….more than any other two I have spent time with have remained on my heart. More than just remaining on my heart as so many do – I have lost touch with them. I can’t find them. I have no way of reaching them. But, if I’m lying I’m dying!! I just being to pray for them and pray specifically that God would allow us another encounter soon.  It happens over and over again – I run into them or they find me.  One of them calls me.  The other one, I always see “out and about” in our town. We joke about it, now.  Tonight when I saw him for the first time in 5 months…he and I hugged and I smiled saying to him, “I knew I’d run into you soon!”.  He smiled back and said he’d been wanting to ask me to go to lunch and had been asking around about me.  These guys are special.  All of them are special. That’s the thing…doing what I do – it is special. I get to step into the lives of trouble, of crap, of messes, of family breakup, fights, drugs, sexual issues, disbelief, poverty, bad grades, divorce, anger, loss of hope, threats, and the list goes on.  But for a few of them…and for a few pieces of my heart and me – the memories continue and we carry on the flame of “Coach”  - Young Life leader; minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; friend for life.

I am so glad I get to pray for John and Aaron. I am so glad my sons know I hang out with guys like them.  I am so thankful to come home and tell Olivia who I’ve just seen and hear her sweet responses. Thank you, Jesus.  I pray I get to have lunch soon with my buddies….and many more like them.  I pray you would pursue the mess out of them…that they would walk with you. 

To God be the Glory.

Blessings,

-ao

A few minutes a lot of miles from yesterday

Recently, when on a trip to the mountains….a tale began.  The following is a true story about a book, a chase, and a relentless Love Story from above.

 

Not so long ago, there was a little boy named McGrew. McGrew loved to go fishing and do anything outdoors. McGrew went on a camping trip with his daddy and his brothers.

They set up their camp:   a camper, some tents, a grill, a campfire and a whole big pile of food. McGrew had everything he’d hoped for at his camp site. He was very excited about something he brought from home:  the yellow and black book called “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday”. So, when he arrived at the camp site he couldn’t wait to get to fishin’ and he couldn’t wait to start reading his book.

McGrew went to sleep that night and early the next morning he was out and about. Today was time…to go and catch his trout! The sun was not up yet and it was hard to see, but for McGrew…a fisherman he was born to be! Up, out, and to the river! 

Ahhh haaah!  This is the spot I will catch my fish; said McGrew.

Ahhh haaah!! THIS is the spot where I will catch my fish, said McGrew’s daddy.

Uhh Oh! said McGrew’s brothers. They knew that McGrew was going to catch a lot of trout……so did McGrew!

When it was dark outside, after a long day fishin’, McGrew wondered if he’d completed his mission. He thought to himself, “Did I catch more trout than my brothers and dad?” Or, had he been had?? There was still fishin’ to be done but never mind that because these guys were hungry and it was time for dinner.

One more day and lots of time to play. Time to think, time to read….READ!!  “That’s it!” thought McGrew. The book.  The yellow and black book. 

The book that McGrew brought to camp…..the book that was yellow and black – “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday”. It would be time to read this yellow and black book and McGrew felt he was just at the right place.  “My chair, my camp site, my book…this is going to be a great race!”

The yellow and black book called “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” was going to be good. It was going to be a book that McGrew would never forget. And then, when McGrew left the camp site to go on his next fishing outing in the mountains, something was missing. Something was not right. Something was not next to McGrew! The yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” was gone. He looked high and low. He looked left and right. He asked other fisherman around the fire at camp. The yellow and black book had disappeared.

McGrew went to town earlier that day with his yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” and when he came back to camp he did not know the yellow and black book was missing. After he found out his book was gone, and after he looked high and low, and after he looked left and right, McGrew went back to town. He raced to town and all the way there his face had a frown. He was going to miss his new book. He was not sure which way to look. It was just gone and the fault must have been his own.

Off to town McGrew went and came back to the camp site. The yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” was nowhere to be found but McGrew had a big appetite!! Two hamburgers and one pork chop later, there was still on the table sitting one read tomater! Gulp!!  Down the hatch….time for the chefs at camp to close the cooking latch! McGrew was full of food and now very tired. Still, no sign of the yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday”.  It was the last night of the camping trip. McGrew was ready for bed.

Fishing had been almost great but without his book it was just hard to appreciate!

The next morning came and it was time to take down their camp site. McGrew looked high and low. He looked left and he looked right – still, for the book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday”, there was no sight. Suddenly, McGrew had an idea! He wondered, “What if someone found my book?” and said to himself, “I will ask Ms. Leila!”

Ms. Leila worked at the local mountain store. Ms. Leila and her husband, Ham. Ms. Leila's mom was there, too. “Fisherman from all over knew about Ms. Leila's store”, thought McGrew, “maybe the yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” is sitting right there!”

As the crew headed home from their big big fishing trip in the mountains, McGrew went to the mountain store where he saw Ms. Leila.  Ms. Leila smiled and said, “Hi!”  McGrew looked high and he looked low, he looked left and he looked right and what did he see??

A yellow and black book called,“A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday”!!

As the store workers smiled, McGrew smiled back and said, “Thanks, I missed my book.”

McGrew went home wondering why the book had gone, why he had not found it and why would a yellow and black book called, “A Few Minutes a lot of Miles from Yesterday” have a need to find its way back to him.

Hmmmmm, said McGrew; “Maybe, I am worth more than these trout I caught!”

“Yes, son, you certainly are…” said McGrew’s daddy. “Maybe God wants you to know His love for you and the ways he is looking after you??”

“Hmmmm, I think you’re right, daddy.” said, McGrew.

 

There is a yellow and black book called, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years:  What I Learned While Editing My Life” by Donald Miller. This is the book I am currently reading. I brought this book to my annual fishing trip with my family. I fished. I ate a lot of food. I lost my book. I searched VERY hard to find my book. While driving by the mountain store, I felt a slight voice and nudge in my mind to inquire in the store. On our way out of the mountains, I pulled in to the store and walked in to be greeted by Leila. She and her mother smiled at me and as I scanned my eyes across the counter I saw the yellow and black book. It was only slightly beat up. It had rolled and rocked on the pavement and gravel while some unnamed fisherman found it and brought it to the store in case its owner needed it. I knew in that moment that for whatever reason….after all I had been through and driving to town (40 minutes one way) and back – this book needed to be read by me. I needed to read the book.

I also knew something else about this book. It would always serve as a reminder of God’s love for me. God’s pursuit of me. God’s furious longing for me. I was sick over the weekend of our fishing trip. I did not feel 100% and yet somehow God used a missing book to remind me of my heart, of my life, of the pace I live and breath each day. Something like this yellow and black book?  God’s spirit. In the Psalms we are told in a prayer (to God) that, “Where can I flee from your Spirit?” –Psalm 139.  I could not flee this book.  Even the idea of losing it wouldn’t shake from my mind. Have you ever had an idea or thought or something in your life you could not shake? Not even weather, sickness or losses could shake it?  That is the story of this yellow and black book.  That is the story of the love of Jesus Christ, the power of a Great Affection made alive in my heart through the most amazing, powerful, all-I-could-ever-want love story and pursuit of me (and you) made clear in the love of Christ.

³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8:38-39 NIV

So far, still sick.  Still reading.  Stay tuned for how the book turned out. I hear it’s a good one!

Blessings,

-ao

 

ps – every night when I put my oldest son, Wyatt, to bed – we “tell stories”.  My stories are always about “Bahgrew” (McGrew). McGrew was my family nickname when I was growing up.  He was a cartoon comic strip character. Short and chubby – McGrew.  Hmmm, the name fits.  There are many more tales to tell about McGrew.  Stay tuned. I’m considering putting them all together for our boys – in one place. They may not work for many kids or many toddlers or anyone at all – but they are amazing with Wyatt. He loves them. I am thankful for my story.  I am thankful for my dad.  I am thankful for my wife and our two boys. I am thankful for Jesus.

Is your mommy dirty?

Wyatt:  Is your mommy dead?

Daddy:  yes, she is.

Wyatt:  Is she buried?  In the ground?

Daddy(me):  yes, she is, buddy.

Wyatt:  Is she dirty?

Me:  No.  Her body was in a casket protecting it (sealed off) – but her soul is in Heaven….She’s with Jesus (new body….) now.

Wyatt:  Does she talk (with Jesus)?  She talks with anyone?

Me:  I would imagine she talks with Jesus and lots of Angels all of the time, Wy-Wy. 

Wyatt:  Ohhh. 

Does this conversation sound odd to you?  It does not as much to me…..now that I am a parent, I guess.  Having Wyatt ask me questions about death, about his grandmother, about my mom, about Jesus, about life – those, to me, are sweet times.  They are pure and honest thoughts that are untainted by the mess around us.

Maybe an honest conversation is what needs to happen in my life…in your life; but, with whom? Maybe there is a need for questioning life and death in your life.  And, if this is the case, perhaps it would be good to know where this Life is and where Life comes from! He is the Light and the Life I am referring to.  Jesus Christ; the Light of the World.  Christ, life-giving son of God.  Constantly in community with the Father (God) and the Holy Spirit; The Trinity seeks us out.  In love.

So, what in your life, perhaps, is dead and needs brought to life? Is it your heart? Is it you?  What in your life has been buried and ought to be concerned with being dirty and covered up instead of offered light and hope in a place that offers neither?

 

What if a conversation with Jesus were doable? What if you could interact with the Saints in the Heavenly realms…..what if you could live forever and receive all its blessings?

 

What did He say?  - “I AM”.

We have a God who loves us and cares for us infinitely greater than we can fathom and he offers you and me hope and peace in a world that does not! So, to consider death….is to consider life made clear and forever through Jesus Christ.

His love is forever.

I belong. Thank you for your pursuit of me, Lord Jesus.

 

Blessings,

-ao

Rules were broken

 

My family and I went to the Davis Family YMCA today.  We just joined the new club and are excited about what this new venture entails. So, today….our first day – we went to check out the pool.  We had the idea of taking our boys to the pool to swim as a means of easing in at the ol’ health club and playin’ it cool; acclimating as we go.

So, in comes the couple who’s out of shape and lugging two little kids.  Also we notice that we’ve arrived at the Happy Hour of kiddy land meets YMCA pool time due to a swim lesson happening simultaneously.  To my left, a greek god who is probably 40ish years old and makes me feel like one short and fat and hairy slob who has yet to take off my shirt.  To my right is the super model mom who’s chasing her child around the pool as he gets faster, her whisper’d attempts to call his name are failing – meanwhile the lifeguards are cracking up but remembering their job is to stop this little guy from running. No horseplay at the pool, remember? So, in the midst of all this and the couple who seems to be on a date in the corner watching the other people swimming:  The Ogles come in to the pool house. Moment of truth?  Taking my shirt off.  That’s right…..somebody’s gotta do it.  So, I make people stumble…what can I say – I’m made in the image of the Lord.  Actually, it was a truth moment…one that truly made me feel that this is the time to join the Y and I am so very grateful they were willing to help the Ogles and offer some aid as we could not have made this happen.  The Lord continues to watch over us – it’s nuts….really, His love is crazy…for me, for you, for all of us!

I slip my husky physique into the waters at the Davis Family YMCA and attempt to get Wyatt to follow….he hugs the railing and throws a fit. However, he’s happy as can be….just at the railing.  I have Boone on my hip….confused but excited – then, She comes running – not Olivia…the lifeguard.  The one who just five minutes earlier got confused as all get out when I questioned if I could bring our kids into the pool and she said I would have to sign up with the swimming lessons coach and there was a possible wait list and that it occurred all year long. After convincing her I wanted to get in the pool right now with my son…she laughed and told me yes.  She runs over to us to remind me I am not allowed in the pool without first rinsing off.  So, she points me to the shower. I can’t keep the water warm – HOT or COLD.  Idiot!   I think to myself.  Back to the pool ramp – Wyatt holding on and Boone on my hip.   We laugh, play and move in.  Olivia joins us.  Then, I place Boone on the ledge by the entrance – nope! Can’t do that – lifeguard reminds me no parking babies on the ledge – too slippery. I keep going….we laugh it off and no worries, right?  So, then I gain the courage to ask about letting Boone jump into my arms off the side of the pool – which is technically a dive and if there is no diving in this sweet pool, I would be, again, in direct violation of the pool rules. The other lifeguard smiles politely with a courtesy laugh and says it’s okay.  Wyatt joins me for  a swim just a few minutes later.  I place him on my back and swim for manhood.  Realizing before I get to the other end the original life guard is chasing me down from the side with her reluctant smile to remind me of another rule – NO PIGGY BACK RIDES!  So, we smile again – I say thanks for letting me know…and I realize my wife is now laughing at me because in about 20 minutes I broke perhaps all the rules in the joint! I also protected my family from learning those lessons the hard way be becoming the rookie guinea pig at the YMCA.

 

So, rules were broken today.  Rules.  Who needs ‘em?  Or, do we need rules? Why are rules here?  Why discipline?  Why have to work for it?  Why can’t I have it my way? Sorry Burger King…but if I get it my way – it seems that is really a bigger picture of the symptoms to a greater illness.  This illness that lurks within. One that is a reflection of rules that were broken – rules that allowed freedom and trust from God, yet the evil one deceived and this illness entered the Earth, made by God.  Rules were broken. 

 

Christ in me.  The hope of Glory. God did something about the rule break.  He jumped into the pool….to rescue his creation.  He put on skin…and moved into the neighborhood.  He rescues me daily.  Jesus Christ became a man….he became nothing….he became obedient (always has been and will be to His Father in Heaven) to death on a cross – that I may claim Christ as my Lord and rescuer of the Rules that were Broken.  I am broken apart from Christ. Christ has redeemed me. 

 

I will go back to the YMCA tomorrow.  I will reclaim victory and this time will be within the guidelines and freedom of their gift to the Ogles.  I will continue my conquest for health.  I will continue my walk with the Lord.  I trust Him.  I am His.  Today is a good day – He has made it. 

 

I belong.

 

Blessings,

-ao

Today’s Outside

So, last week it was pretty warm outside. It was cold, real cold the weeks prior to last week – our utility bill is the highest one I have had my entire life.  So, we wondered how we would pay…..we felt like we will just trust the Lord for his faithfulness and provision. God is faithful.  God is true.  God is love.  And then…..a check showed up in the mail for $35; then we spent $200 less last month than normal in our budgeted regular monthly expenses; then another check showed up for $62.50!  Literally – our utility bill has been covered over the amount we would normally have set aside.   Lord Jesus, thank you.

So, when you consider today and what circumstances are around you or me or what might be coming down the pike – may it be said again that the Lord provides and He is in all things – His raging love is immense and powerful and personal. I accept you Lord – I belong to you.

Today’s weather…..getting colder again – a change from the mildness of last week and just when we thought our utilities would be going down again – the temperature begins to get crazy and the weather forecast gets all nuts. Then, I get excited because I’ve been wishing for one good one! One good snow…serious can’t we get something decent around here??!!?  Well – here’s our shot – but still I am unbelieving.  Weather forecast:

This Afternoon: Rain, mainly after 1pm. High near 38. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tonight: Rain and snow, possibly mixed with sleet before 7pm, then snow, possibly mixed with sleet. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.
Saturday: Rain and snow likely, possibly mixed with sleet before 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of snow after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. North wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 34. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

So, we will see. Snow. Fun. My family.  Time with Jesus.  Thankful again for our Lord – I am yours, Jesus – blessings.

 

-ao

This Day…thanks be to God!

Lord, thank you for my day.  Thank you for your love for me. Your infinite love..for me. 

On this day….I am reminded of love.  I’m reminded of the Father’s love for me. I’m reminded of Olivia and her love for me. I am reminded how much I love my boys, Wyatt and Boone.  I am reminded of God’s creation…..of his tender care and his gracious ways. I am reminded of my dad.  Today, January 11, 2010.  Today is my dad’s birthday.  Today, it’s a good day.  I love my dad.  My dad has always loved me in ways I can’t really communicate….but suffice it to say that so much of my view of God, of love, of family, and of community in our home…comes from Dad. 

A few things:  Christmas at Grammy’s house, The North Spoon farm, Midnight April’s birth, “get back up on that horse…”, Bud & Captain, Pinyata, Stroker’s Bolt, Drew and 52 Blue Gil, Paul Owens’ large mouth bass, turning the huge antenna, bowl game trips, Citico, Tellico, days in the tent selling fireworks in 1987, the Jacksons – Victory Tour, riding to church when you dropped me off at Tim Tinsley’s office (when I asked Jesus into my heart), a big long hug after coming home from Windy Gap, you in my wedding, you wringing your socks out after our wedding, your awaiting my return home – in Olivia’s and my driveway – after mom had died….just the embrace I needed from my father, being there when Wyatt was born, when Boone was born, and lunches on Fridays……

..these are things that come to mind – there are so many more memories…but I wanted to write a few down and jog our memories, Dad.  I love you and Happy Birthday!  You are the best and I am so grateful for you and your role in my life. 

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Blessings,

-ao

Value of Christmas – my family

Today is December 22nd; It is 3 days before Christmas.  I love Christmas time….it’s my favorite time of year.  I get to enjoy my family. I get to be with my wife…be with my kids….be home and have no place to “be”.  Christmas – celebration of my redemption made true in Christ.  A baby.  Born to die.  Born to rescue.  Born to prove and define what is love.  A baby.  Born to walk the Earth and radically proclaim God.  Born to tell of a place and life that is full and light.  Born to touch lives and those with leprosy.  Leprosy – something that is of a sickness….a skin disease, yet today it can come in many forms, a metaphor of sorts for illness, frustration, hindrance, problems, sin, emptiness, woundedness, loneliness, oozing battles in life, and the list goes on. 

Jesus.  Born of a virgin.  A miracle.  No fame.  No “glory”.  A stable…a cave…damp, cold, messy, and loud! Or, was it quiet…quiet due to the wonder of what was to come – ridicule, death of children in the region, a defining moment of recognition to state the claim from God the Father – a moment when Jesus would make public His plan (the plan of the Father) to rescue me.  And then he would go on to love…..and to walk to the garbage dump and hand over his life.  He was a baby…..perfect little skin….messy diapers, learning to walk…..first words, first smiles, first everything – first to take away sin forever.  And now, I can believe.  When I believe in Him I receive life forever with the Father in Heaven.  I receive eternal life in Christ Jesus.  Life.  Eternal.  Christ.

Christmas.  What do you think of when you think of Christmas?  I think of extravagant get-togethers and family outings.  I think of big Christmas trees and hanging ornaments…….I think of cutting down a tree on the farm and hauling it back through the snow behind our horses….I think of putting sheets under the doors and plastic over the windows and turning up the music to soak in all that the cold season has to offer.  I think of going to Grammy’s house….of letters from Don and re-cappings of the year.  I think of going to CSPC for the midnight service and candlelight worship of Jesus the baby being born as I would wear my new clothes from my Mom’s side of the family since we’d had Christmas that AM.  Christmas.  I think of love.  I think of fires and good naps on the couch.  I think of sausage balls and doughnuts.  I think of going to the mountains…..of laughing with family and being together.  I think of telling our boys that Christmas is about Christ and celebrating the baby Jesus and the life He offers us.  I think of hearing Wyatt ask about my “clinging cross” in my back pocket; if I have it to “go to church and worship Jesus” and then if I hug Mommy and buy her presents to “worship Mommy”!!  Christmas.  It is just awesome. 

Three days away – I am waiting….again…looking forward to Him.  Looking forward to a sweet time with Olivia and the boys. 

Sometimes…..it is harder than all that above.  Sometimes there are issues and family and obstacles and things that “get in the way” of celebrating.  Sometimes…..those are things that steal the joy from this sweet season.  Parties. Presents. Budgets.  Death.  Memories of the past.  Old traditions.  New traditions.  New homes and cities.  Arguments re-kindled.  Emotions that re-appear.  Sometimes Christmas can lose its meaning….and what, exactly, is the “holiday” that (they) are referring to when they say, “Happy Holidays!” ??  Is there a Holiday in there….and which ONE would it be?  What is the day that is H-O-L-Y??  Holy-day.  Yes, it is.  Why would I get up-in-arms over anything more than the celebration of Jesus Christ. His love – infinite for me.  My family – those whom He has called me to the most!  My family – my immediate family.  My wife. My sons.  Christ be first….then be my family and along the way I get to be with those others…the wonderful others whom He has called me to. 

Lord Jesus, I love you.  Olivia, I am yours.  Wyatt and Boone I will walk with you and be your dad with all I have. 

Merry Christmas…..in 3 wonderful days. 

Blessings.

-ao