Celebration Sandwich

One thing I've done this year that was both fruitful and grounding for me was to focus each month with a word/intention. November was my month to Celebrate. This December is my month of Peace. Typically at this time of year, many are telling stories of the beginning of Jesus' life on earth, Christmas being his "birthday". I am compelled to share another story. Christmas is celebrated in many different ways, some recognizing the birth of Y'hosua (Jesus' name in Hebrew), some acknowledging hope, lovingkindness and generosity, while others I know simply enjoy the tradition of decorations, gifts and a feast with family and friends. Or perhaps a combination of all these. This story isn't related to His birth, nor death, but His resurrection- the reason for which we truly can hope! It's a time when the Risen King appears to His followers:

19 On that same evening (Resurrection Sunday), the followers gathered together behind locked doors in fear that some of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were still searching for them. Out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in the center of the room.

Jesus: May each one of you be at peace.
20 As He was speaking, He revealed the wounds in His hands and side. The disciples began to celebrate as it sank in that they were really seeing the Lord.
Jesus: 21 I give you the gift of peace. In the same way the Father sent Me, I am now sending you. 22 Now He drew close enough to each of them that they could feel His breath. He breathed on them [and said] "Welcome the Holy Spirit of the living God. 23 You now have the mantle of God's forgiveness. As you go, you are able to share the life-giving power to forgive sins, or to withhold forgiveness.


Do you see the pattern? Peace. Celebrate. Peace.

In this story, Peace encompasses the celebration. "Peace be with you," Jesus introduces Himself as Peace. Peace comes before and behind the celebration. Peace is the gift. Peace is the setting. Peace is the action. Peace is the Presence of the God who was born among us, who died in our place so that we could connect to Father God, who was raised back to life so we also might live.

The word celebrate is also translated: shabbat. A hebrew translation, celebrate means to cease, to rest, [from work], fail, celebrate. 

November was my birthday month.
This November, my birthday was also the death day of my grandfather.
In the midst of unexpected travel, I did find rest. In the midst of life and death, I rested in celebration. In celebrating, I found true hope for the life yet to come- the eternal life, which in fact is NOW for those who receive that breath of God and welcome the "life-giving power" of forgiveness and freedom from His Spirit! The indwelling Spirit of the Anointed One is truly our reason for celebration this season, and in all seasons.

My prayer for you this holiday season is to truly celebrate in and with Peace, from a place of rest. 


May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!

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