It seems that my tidy list of Christmas Blog reflections has been interrupted by terror on the home-front. My All I Want for Christmas theme has been overshadowed by considerations of allegiance and unthinkable encroachment on the land of the free.
The words, I Pledge Allegiance…, came to the fore-front for me on December 5th during my early morning meeting with the Lord. The Bible passage scheduled for me that day was Philippians 2:5-11. Verses 6-11 are oft quoted ones and are invaluable for understanding the Nature and Character of Jesus Christ. On this morning, however, it was verse 5 that got my attention: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. In deep humility and outrageous courage, I share my Journal entry for that day with you.
“The word attitude grabs me. How could my attitude be the same as the One who offered up everything for the sake of my eternal life? I have such a long way to go. But, praise God, I am on the way. My attitude is growing toward Jesus, not away from Him. It is allegiance that makes the difference. Allegiance rules attitude. The word allegiance stands out to me today because of the recent murder of innocents on the west coast of the American mainland. The female (wife) of the couple pledged her allegiance to the rule of terror just before spraying a room with bullets that ended life on this earth for fourteen and permanently scarred twenty-one others. To this end, the man and the woman offered themselves up to their misplaced allegiance. O God of abounding Love and Truth, I offer myself up to Jesus. Enable me to have the attitude of Christ who offered all He had and is for me.”
“We call it radicalization. They call it allegiance.
We call it violence. The Bible calls it murder.
We call it hatred. God calls it evil.
We call it unforgivable. Jesus calls it crucified.”
On second thought, All I want for Christmas stands. All I Want for Christmas is radical faith in an allegiance-worthy God. It is what I want for you as well!
Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory the Father (Philippians 2:9-11)
OPP (opportunity for action): Nurture your child’s spiritual development by introducing God’s radical love for them in the form of the Gift of the Christ-child. At this time of year there are numerous opportunities for giving…from food and warm clothing for the needy to the Salvation Army bell ringer at the storefronts. Aid them in finding ways to be givers rather than getters this Christmas. Pray in your home for comfort for those who lost their beloved and covering on our Nation for the sake of His Beloved.
Deedee Cass 