19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
I limit my news intake. I do not listen to podcasts. I do not watch broadcast news of any sort. I do not read blogs. I do not frequent radio talk-shows. I read one newspaper that I trust to provide a intelligently balanced viewpoint, though I do not always agree with it. I find that one source provides me enough information to be a reasonably informed individual. Normally, I can engage in an adult conversation with others without embarrassing myself. But even with that limited amount of news, I find myself pessimistic about the state of the world, which is why I need the holiday season and most especially Christmas.
I enjoy Thanksgiving, the season opener. Yesterday we gathered with family and shared the experience of a home-cooked feast. We all chipped in with our favorite family recipes and a new one or two. We engaged in pleasant conversation, catching up and reminiscing. Fortunately for me, we all know how to avoid baiting one another with vicious small-talk. This does not mean we always agree; however, we manage to enjoy each other without demanding conformity. We talk about the good things we are thankful for and share our blessings. All in all, it is a good time, a time that binds us more closely together. Today we started unpacking Christmas decorations and trimming the tree.
Decorating the house launches phase two of the Christmas operation. Last year we made the leap to an artificial tree; but, there still are certain cherished ornaments that we carefully unwrap and place in their traditional place. Years ago, Christy and I made our first tree-topper, a simple gold foil covered star. We’ve used it since then, moving it around the world with us. I cannot imagine a Christmas tree without that unimposing star. Tomorrow, we will trim the tree, drink eggnog, while we listen to favorite Christmas music. Afterwards, we will sit down and watch one of our favorite Christmas movies. But all these things mask a certain reality, in some ways it’s been a tough year for me.
I will not detail the issues that have come my way. They are not unusual; they are the things that everyone faces from time to time. In fact, compared to many others my problems are quite small and my life unfolds with a measured, predictable, and comfortable pace. We do not need to look far to find immense suffering and hardship. Our world creaks along with wars and rumors of wars. In the Middle East the Israelis and Palestinians are at it once again, and that conflict has roused passions, ill-will, divisions, and violence in our country. The Ukraine and Russia remain at war, slaughtering each other with reckless abandon. The earth itself seems out of control with glaciers melting, forests burning, oceans rising, and water-tables dropping. Some might even question why engage in Christmas celebrations.
I need Christmas. I need the annual journey to Bethlehem. The ancient prophet, speaking for God, wrote of a new thing. Read the entire passage and you will find that God repeatedly speaks of springs and rivers in the desert. In some ways, my soul seems stuck in a parched land. I see desolation, spiritual and physical, everywhere. Many close friends struggle with intractable problems. In my own life there are things that defy easy solutions. So, God speaks to me, reminding me that He does new things. Each Christmas as I make the journey to the small stable in a Judean hamlet, God reminds me; he does new things. He makes springs to rise up in the desert of my heart. I encourage you to join me in this reflective season. Let us think on the new things that God has done and continues to do.
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