Excess Baggage?

4 old cellphones, one small keyboard, assorted gadgets,2 non-functional printers, and clothing I no longer wear are just some of the things I took from my clothes closet while cleaning and organizing yesterday. We collect stuff like wool pants gather lint, don’t we?  A subtle lie has been told so often we accept it as the truth without question.  That lie? “You are what you own.” 

We think we must have that degree and from a prestigious institution to be a worthy person. We display our certifications with a hope that it will relieve our sense of insecurity. Or perhaps it is a new suit, a body shaped by hours in the gym, or a house meeting Martha Stewart’s standard that will gain the admiration of others.  Surely a better vehicle will make us more respected.  So many people all around us are playing the game we forget that it is just a game.

Pope Francis is a man trusted and admired by millions who are not Roman Catholic. Why? Whatever you might think of his theology, the man’s simplicity and forthrightness are refreshing. When I see a pictures of him, his clunky black shoes under the white papal robe make me smile. No red leather ornate slippers for this humble man.  He shuns the palaces, challenges the princes of the church who spend too much, and uses plain, unadorned language.  He is grounded in Christ.

Christian, we are secured and valued because we are in Christ!  He does not love us because we are smart, degreed, certified, or beautiful. He came to us ‘while we were still sinners,’ and died for us that we might be restored in our true identity – child of God.  Jesus tells us that it is our relationship with Him – more than anything else – that makes life worth living.  Using a metaphor well understood in His time, that of a shepherd leading a flock, He said – “he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. . . . I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  . . . whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  I am the good shepherd." (John 10:4-11, NIV)

What excess baggage are you dragging around? 
How much time or money are you investing in trying to create a life you think will make you feel more worthy, gain greater respect, or feel secure?

Advent is a time to remember the One who came to save and Who will come again with the reward paid for by His grace.  It is ours for the asking and is received by faith.  The Santa culture will try to seduce you, because it plays on the materialism lie. Don’t play that game. Got stuff? Use it, don’t love it!  Been blessed with more goods, a bigger brain, or great beauty?  Give it back to God, with thanksgiving, and let Him use the gift for His purposes.

"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19, The Message)

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What Child Is This

What Child is this who laid to rest

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ, the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing!

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe. the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense gold and myrrh,

Come, peasant, king to own Him.

The King of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him!

Raise, raise the song on high,

The Virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy, for Christ is born,

The Babe the Son of Mary!

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