Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Dec. 2, 2011

Daily Ornament!
A Week of Hope: Friday, Day Six
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” – Psalm 16:9-11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14
Hope is about what is ahead—and if what is ahead is clear, strong, and meaningful, then it makes what we do today—how we live today, peaceful. As I said yesterday, hope sees the bigger picture and the God who is responsible for painting that picture.
Something that struck me as I was reading the passage from Matthew, it (hope) can also be a matter of perspective. What one sees being painted on the canvas another may have a completely different opinion. It is like two people who witness a traffic accident—they both see the same accident but they may have differing opinions as to who was at fault, depending upon their observation point.
In the passage in Matthew, Jesus paints us a picture through a parable. It is about a king who is giving a banquet to celebrate the wedding of his son. He sends out his servants with invitations who go throughout his kingdom only to discover that many of those invited had other “pressing” issues. Some were so angry with the invitation that they “beat up” the servants who were doing nothing more than simply obeying the wishes of their king.
You know…that sounds an awful lot like our modern day world!
The King sends His Son—to give us life, hope, love, joy and peace. He invites us to enjoy the celebration (Christmas as would be the case today) but as was the case in the gospel reading, too many are far too wrapped up in their own lives and excuses that they are missing the true celebration and Advent becomes nothing more than just another holiday, or to many, just another day on the calendar.
I came across this poem a couple of years ago and I really like what it has to say.
A Lasting Christmas
I keep a part of Christmas—for it helps to add a glow,
to the January darkness and the February snow. If March is cold and blustery and though April brings us rain,
the peace and warmth of Christmas—with its happiness—remain.
There’s a beauty when it’s Christmas—all the world is different then;>br /> there’s no place for petty hatred in the hearts and minds of men.
That is why my heart is happy and my mind can hold a dream,
for I keep a part of Christmas with its peace and joy supreme.
--Garnett Ann Schultz
Here, at the very beginning of Advent, why not make plans now to stretch the joy and meaning of Christmas throughout the entire year of 2012? Why not select someone less-blessed with worldly goods than you and prepare a Christmas basket of goodies for them for the holidays? Why not make it anonymous to add to the surprise? Remember, the birth of Jesus surprised the world! Let’s continue that tradition in what we do this season, and beyond. Give hope to those who truly need some.
Pastor J. T. Carnell